ADIE Arnold’s return to the Verwood Town hot seat has been confirmed.

The worst-kept secret in Sydenhams Wessex League football was made public when the Potters announced Arnold as successor to sacked boss Gavin Reeves.

Former Poole Town coach Reeves claimed he had been dismissed by incoming chairman Martin Gilham for not standing down and accepting a position as first-team coach to allow Arnold to take over.

Arnold, who spent eight-and-a-half seasons at Verwood before leaving in March 2014, had been invited onto the backroom staff towards the end of August.

Gilham politely declined to add to the statement on the club’s website, which read: “Verwood Town are pleased to announce the appointment of new managers for both the first team and development squad.

“Adie Arnold has been appointed first-team manager with Kris Anderton as his assistant, and Connor Jordan has been appointed the development squad manager with Andrew Hardiman as his assistant.”

Verwood remain bottom of the Premier Division after a 4-0 defeat at Cowes Sport. Jimmy Wykes (2), Jordan Browne and a Tom Scovell penalty did the damage.