WESSEX Premier high-fliers Christchurch have delayed plans to appoint a new manager with Graham Kemp set to continue in the role until the end of the season.

Christchurch had this week been hoping to name a successor to Kemp, who stepped down last month following a fruitful five-and-a-half years in the Hurn Bridge hot-seat.

However, Priory chairman Mark Duffy yesterday confirmed the club had been “unsuccessful” in their attempts to find a suitable replacement for the 47-year-old.

Kemp – the most successful manager in Christchurch’s history – last season guided Priory to third place in Wessex Premier, their highest finishing position, and led the club to two cup finals, winning the League Cup and losing narrowly to Bemerton in the Russell-Cotes.

He will continue to hold the fort alongside assistant John Macey and coach Jim Totczyk until the end of the season when Christchurch will resume their search for a new boss.

A number of people had been linked with the unpaid job, including current Totton & Eling boss Kevin Dawtry, ex-Priory caretaker-manager Brian Le Boutillier and Verwood’s Adie Arnold.

Duffy, who understandably declined to reveal the identity of any of the candidates, told the Daily Echo: “We had a number of applicants and they fell into three categories in terms of why we were unable to make an announcement.

“A number withdrew their applications prior to interview, a couple said their personal circumstances had changed and while others had tremendous ability and qualities in terms of coaching, they did not have the management experience that we felt we needed at this time.

“It was always going to be difficult to make an appointment this season because we don’t pay and we don’t have a budget. While we had a number of applicants and offered interviews to the majority, they all fell into the three categories.

“We are not going to do anything now until the end of season when, hopefully, circumstances may have changed for some of the applicants or we will get some new ones.”

Duffy added: “Graham has done us a great service in honouring his commitment that he would not leave us without a manager in place. We are grateful he has agreed to stay and we can now focus on trying to finish as high as we can. Graham can help bring some stability to the unsettled nature something like this brings to a club and we can now go on and try to finish the season on a high.”

Christchurch, who visit neighbours Bournemouth Poppies on Saturday, are currently second in Wessex Premier, two points behind leaders Downton.