He joins following a season on the management team at Evo-Stik Southern League West outfit Winchester City and prior to that, he assisted Pat McManus at Brockenhurst.

Morse takes over from Charlie Pierson, who stepped down at the end of last season.

Ringwood chairman Phil King told the Daily Echo: “I am absolutely delighted Richard has agreed to join us.

"He’s forward-thinking and brings professionalism, an outlook and enthusiasm to wholeheartedly embrace our thriving youth set-up, but with a clear, steely determination to drive the first team to success.

“I want to thank Richard’s predecessor Charlie Pierson. Charlie has been a great servant to the club for eighteen years as a player and, more recently, as manager. He will always be very welcome at the club.”

Morse, who was on the books of Southampton and Fulham as a youngster and played in the Wessex and Southern Leagues, said: “I am thrilled about this. It’s about the challenge to further develop and progress the team to be successful in an entertaining style.

"Going through the process, it has become clear to me the club is in good hands, committed to driving the club forwards.

“There’s a youth section that will undoubtedly serve the club well.

“I see in particular a successful under-18 side that won the `double` again last year and I’m excited about bringing on this talent amongst the demands of Wessex League football.

"I see this as a new chapter in my career and am proud to be part of exciting times at Ringwood Town".