BRIDPORT Reserves boss Chris Herbst has confirmed he intends to continue in his role for the 2022/23 season.

Herbst took over the second string after Richard Middleton departed last season.

And the Bees’ coach, who also oversaw the first-team loss at Exmouth on Boxing Day, has taken his youthful side to two cup semi-finals before finishing ninth in the Jewson Dorset Premier League.

Bridport Reserves signed off with a 2-2 draw against Wareham Rangers in early May.

READ MORE: Bridport Reserves 2-2 Wareham Rangers - match report

And Herbst’s men are now separated from Edgar Marcu’s first team by only one division after their relegation to Step 6’s South West Peninsula League East.

Bridport are therefore hopeful the decreased difference between standards could attract more players to the club, new and old.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Herbst said: “I was debating it but I thought this season’s been fairly good.

“The new manager (Marcu), I’ve had a couple of meetings with him and it sounds very promising. I’m definitely staying next year, I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ll have a good six weeks off and then get stuck into pre-season. I’ve started to try and get a few players over, so hopefully that will work out just to freshen things up.”

On his first season in charge, he added: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been really tough – probably the worst season I could’ve taken over with what happened with the first team.

“Overall, it’s been a really enjoyable thing. When you lose, you’re gutted but the majority of the lads have been committed and that’s really helped the cause.”