CHRISTCHURCH will be managed next season by Christer Warren and Wayne Crutcher, as part of a new partnership with Wimborne Town.

It was previously confirmed Priory’s boss last season, Fawzi Saadi, would be stepping away from his role to take on a new position as head of coaching at Wimborne’s academy.

Christchurch finished 18th in the Wessex Premier Division last season, two levels below where Wimborne will be competing in 2024-25, after promotion up to the Southern Premier.

It was another turbulent campaign for the Hurn Bridge outfit, with three bosses in 2023-24, Ollie Cherrett and Nathan Brown departing before Saadi’s latest stint.

A statement from the club read: “Christchurch Football Club are excited to announce that we have entered into a partnership with Wimborne Town Football Club.

“Last season’s Wimborne Town reserve team duo Christer Warren and Wayne Crutcher will move across and manage Christchurch in the Wessex Premier Division.

“Current Christchurch FC coach Sean Leadbetter will remain as part of the coaching setup.”

The statement added: “This partnership allows both clubs the opportunity to combine both the existing Christchurch FC and Wimborne Town reserve squads, creating an opportunity to develop players in a very competitive league.

“This is with the aim of not only producing a flow of talent to Wimborne Town’s Southern Premier Division team, but also further strengthening Christchurch FC, with the potential to realise our own ambitions of climbing the non-league footballing pyramid.”

Last season, Wimborne's reserves finished as runners-up in the Dorset Premier League.