RETURNING legend Paul Roast has tasked Wimborne Town with giving him a perfect comeback – by making more history in the FA Trophy.

A change in work circumstances has allowed veteran defender Roast, who racked up more than 400 appearances across 14 years with Magpies, to retake the assistant manager’s role.

The boost could not be better timed as boss Steve Cuss leads his troops into unchartered territory against Ryman League Premier Division outfit AFC Hornchurch in tomorrow’s third qualifying round clash at Cuthbury (3pm).

Hornchurch ply their trade one level above Wimborne but sit second bottom of the table without a home league win this season.

And with clubs from the Conference Premier entering the competition at the next stage – the first round proper – Roast cannot wait to play his part in extending Magpies’ lucrative run.

Discussing his return to the dugout, Roast told the Daily Echo: “The workload in my day job has eased a little so I have a bit more time for football.

“I had a chat with Cussy and he still did not have any support so it was perfect timing for all concerned.

“Everybody knows I never wanted to leave in the first place, it was just other commitments that made my decision for me.

“I still will not be able to make every game but should be available most weeks. Hopefully I can help.”

Roast had a brief playing spell at Christchurch where boss Adie Arnold began his transition to a career as a goalkeeper but the lure of Wimborne was never far away.

“I loved every minute of it at Christchurch,” added Roast. “I really appreciate Adie taking a gamble on me and it is something I would consider doing again.

“But I have to admit, I found changing clubs hard. The first thing I did after the game was check Wimborne’s result and as bad as it sounds, that was the biggest thing for me. When the opportunity came to go back I jumped at it.”

On the Trophy tie, Roast added: “It is massive for the club, especially financially and it is a game the lads feel they can get a result in. Hornchurch play at a higher level but they are not tearing up any trees.

“I know the lads are buzzing for it after speaking to one or two of them. There has been a real sense of excitement at training this week.

“We need to focus on this game first of all but there are so many cracking names if we can get through. The likes of Bristol Rovers will be in the hat and the thought of that is crazy.

“We will bust a gut to try and progress and will just see what happens from there.”

Cuss should have a full squad to choose from for the tie which is worth £4,000 to the winners.

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Maybury, Biles, Costello, Oliver, Brimson, Webb, Stokoe, Blake, Griffin, David-son, Lupton, Kemble, Gamble, Field.