MATT Lucas has revealed why the Dorchester Town board went for Mark Jermyn as the club’s new player-manager.

Magpies’ chairman Lucas said the county town outfit needed someone who could “galvanise” the current playing squad – and Jermyn fitted the bill.

Speaking to Echosport, Lucas said he felt the 33-year-old, whose move from Poole Town has been completed, deserved his chance in the Dorchester hot-seat.

“We felt that when Graham resigned we needed to act swiftly but at the same time make sure we made the right appointment,” said Lucas.

“We needed someone who could really galvanise the current squad of players we have and felt Jem was that person.

“I’ve known Jem for a long time and he was very popular when he was at the club before.

“He always shows plenty of desire when he plays and that is one of the attributes we want to instil in the squad.

“Mark brings professionalism to the role and a real determination to succeed.

“We hope that the players will buy into his approach and never-say-die attitude.

“There is always a risk when you bring in any new manager, whether they are experienced or inexperienced, but people need a chance and Jem deserves his.

“We just felt we needed to bring someone in who knew the club and the people here.

“Jem also knew a lot of the players from when he was a player here before.

“He was always going to be a popular choice with the supporters, but I think it was important for us that we made the right decision for the club.”

He continued: “We had to ask for permission to speak to Mark because he was a contracted player at Poole.

“Everything went well when we spoke to him and then I had to contact Poole chairman Chris Reeves to ask if he would be willing to release Mark from his contract.

“I have to say we were very pleased with the way Poole co-operated with us.”

Lucas added that Jermyn’s choice of assistant, veteran midfielder Nick Crittenden, was one he and the board were “very pleased” with.

And, according to Lucas, the primary aim for the duo is clear.

He added: “We need to stay in this league, there’s no two ways about it, and every game for us now has to be like a cup final.

“I feel that with the squad we’ve got it shouldn’t be an issue, but I do not want to put pressure on the players or Jem.”

The Magpies travel to Poole Town tonight in the Dorset Under-21 Development League (7.45pm).