TAFFY Richardson is returning to management as right-hand man to Steve Tate at Newport Isle of Wight.

The gritty 36-year-old midfielder, pictured, who cut his managerial teeth with Salisbury City last season, is moving to the Island after seeing out a one-year playing contract with Jewson Wessex League outfit Lymington & New Milton.

Although Richardson's spell at Salisbury ended in relegation from the Dr Martens Premier Division, he was working with a very young side - many of whom have only just missed the promotion boat back to the big time under the leadership of Nick Holmes at Old Sarum.

Tate is also looking to go with youth on the Island and reckons that Richardson's presence as player/assistant manager will be invaluable both on and off the park.

He said: "I've known and respected Taffy for 15 years and we share the same views about football. I'd love him to be near enough joint manager if that's what he wants, but he prefers the player/assistant's role.

"He and Tom did a tremendous job with the kids at Salisbury and all our youngsters will appreciate his value.

"He'll be taking the coaching and organising for me out on the park. I've got people like Simon Pilcher and Gareth Keeping who will do the running for him. What Taffy's got to do is sit there and be our midfield general. I'm confident I can get another one or two seasons out of him."

Richardson, who famously captained Wimborne Town to FA Vase glory back in 1992 at Wembley, has a wealth of Dr Martens/Ryman League experience behind him with Dorchester, Basingstoke, Bashley and Salisbury.

Tate works with him too in his daytime job with a Bournemouth-based water company and said: "I don't like a lot of people in football, but Taffy and I get along great. There are not enough straight-talking characters like him left in the game."

Although Richardson does not officially start work until the summer, he will be introduced to his new charges before tonight's (Tuesday's) Isle of Wight Gold Cup final against Cowes Sports at St George's Park.

Young defender Jon Holmes hopes to shrug off a cold in time to play and Tate is confident full-back Adam Lang will be OK after a knee injury.