IT WAS the “perfect time and perfect opportunity” for Adam Fricker who will take over as the Bridport boss at the end of the season.

The current Chard manager was picked from eight applicants by the Bees and Fricker is excited to test himself in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division – the league above his current club.

He told Echosport: “The time was right to move on from Chard and test my managerial credentials at a higher level.

“After speaking to guys at Bridport, they really want to take the club forward and that’s the sort of thing I want.

“It’s the perfect time and perfect opportunity for me at the right club.”

“I want to bring the professionalism and the work ethic we’ve had at Chard over to Bridport. Pre-season will be very important for us to make sure we’re ready to hit the ground running.

“There is a great nucleus of players and we will want to add to that.”

Chairman Adrian Scadding helped bring the manager to the club and was impressed by his managerial experience.

He added: “He has a good track record with Chard and he has Western League experience.”

Interim boss Mark Carter will take charge of the remaining fixtures for the Bees which included Tuesday night’s clash at Hallen which they lost 2-1.

However, the performance was much-improved as the players looked up for the fight with the news of Fricker’s appointment ringing in their ears.

Mark Salter scored from the spot after the Bees had wasted a hatful of chances only for two defensive mishaps to cost them the win.

n There was more heartbreak for Bridport as their reserve team let a three-goal lead slip in the Dorset Senior Trophy final to lose 4-3 to Merley Cobham Sports on Tuesday night.