Vickers set to move on from Spytty (From South Wales Argus)

Vickers set to move on from Spytty

10:18am Tuesday 10th March 2009 in Sport By Andrew Penman

NEWPORT County defender Ashley Vickers looks set to leave the club to take up a player-coaching role at Blue Square South rivals Dorchester Town.

The veteran centre-back has been travelling to Newport from the south coast since leaving Eastbourne in August last year and he described the chance to start his managerial career close to home as too good to turn down.

Vickers has talked through the move with Exiles boss Dean Holdsworth and, providing there are no last minute hitches, the deal will be tied up in the next few days.

The 36-year-old will link up with his old Weymouth team-mate Roy O’Brien who was appointed player-manager at the Avenue Stadium last week, a job ex-County manager Peter Beadle had been linked with.

“I’ve spoken to Dean and to Steve Jenkins and Chris Blight and they’ve all been really helpful,” said Vickers.

“At this stage of my career it is not something I can turn down, really.

“I still love playing and hopefully I’ll continue to get a game regularly but at my age I’ve got to start thinking about coaching and this is a great chance to do that.”

An imposing presence in the County back four this season, the 6ft 3in stopper has made 27 appearances and become a firm favourite with fans at Spytty Park for his wholehearted no-nonsense approach to the game.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Newport and I’d like to thank everyone at the club, especially the fans who have been great with me,” he said.

“It hasn’t been easy travelling such a long way but I’ve loved playing for the club and I wish Dean and the players all the best.”

Vickers was an unused substitute as County eased their relegation fears with a 2-1 win over Braintree on Saturday but Dorchester are just four points above the drop zone in 17th place having lost six of their last eight league games.

“I will be back in a relegation battle but I look forward to the challenge,” said Vickers.

“I’ve never gone down in my career and I don’t intend to start now.”