WIMBORNE Town chairman Ken Stewart laughed off rumours that former boss Alex Pike could be set for a shock return to the Cuthbury hot-seat.

According to an article in the Portsmouth News, Pike, who guided Wimborne to FA Vase glory in 1992, is believed to be a target for the Wessex Premier Division title contenders.

But, when asked by the Daily Echo, Stewart was keen to distance the club from the speculation.

He said: "There's no way Alex would return. I'm sure he wouldn't want to and the only way he'd become manager is if he made a bid for the club.

"He's a great manager but I think it's pie in the sky."

Stewart is happy with the club's current boss Christer Warren, who has put Wimborne in with a chance of winning the championship and earning promotion into the Southern League.

"Christer has done a superb job," said the Magpies chairman.

"It's his first year and it's coming along quite well I feel.

"He's become a friend and he's a good man."

Gosport Borough boss Pike, who has previously been linked with the top jobs at Havant and Waterlooville and Dorchester Town, said he was happy at Privett Park.

But the outspoken manager, whose former clubs also include Hamworthy United and Bournemouth Poppies, admitted "you never know what the future may hold".

  • Wimborne's top-of-the-table clash against VT FC, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed because the Cuthbury pitch was waterlogged.

The slope at Cuthbury is not set to hold up their plans for Southern League football after Stewart revealed that the playing surface had satisfied grading requirements.

But some work is needed at the ground, with plans for an additional 50 enclosed seats ongoing.