A former professional footballer with past connections with the club has been appointed manager of Bridport FC.

The Bees parted company with Jamie Manley and his assistant Kevin Leigh after losing eight of their nine games in the Toolstation Western League.

The club confirmed this week that John Godbold, the former Wimbledon and Chelsea centre-back, is taking over as boss at St Mary's Field and is looking forward to developing Bridport's crop of talented youngsters.

Godbold is no stranger to the Bridport Club, having been assistant manager to Bob Russell in 2003.

He then went on to gain his UEFA A licence and enjoyed spells with Dorchester Town's Academy and Weymouth Reserves as swell as managing Redlands and Shaftesbury in recent times.

Godbold has said he is impressed with the facilities at St Mary's and believes there is huge potential at the club.