NEW Scarborough manager Ian Kerr could not have asked for a tougher task in his baptism.

Appointed in succession to former York City boss Neil Thompson, Kerr's first task is to take charge of the Seasiders away to Nationwide Conference table-toppers Dagenham.

He has the task of lifting a side which is in a relegation spot, yet he has few options available to him to freshen up a team which has looked despondent in the last couple of weeks.

Declared the new man in the Boro hot-seat: "I shall want the team to play to my structure and play attractive football.

"I know that I need to strengthen the squad and that is why no players will be leaving unless it is to the benefit of the club or them."

Gareth Stoker could make the squad after missing last week with a hamstring problem.

And he should be joined by former York City midfielder Scott Jordan after he resumed training this week after a lengthy spell battling an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, the possible loan move by striker Steve Brodie to Swansea has been put on hold for the time being.

Kerr is likely to return to a five-man defence for the testing trip with on-loan Aron Wilford playing in yet another new position. He has already played at centre back, midfield and as an emergency striker, but now looks likely to be handed a sweeper role tomorrow.

Boro (probable) : Woods, Atkinson, Faure, Wilford, Rennison, Fitzsimmons, Ingram, Blunt, Pounder, Brodie and Stamp

Subs from Newton, Jordan, Keegan, Maughan, Henderson and Stoker.

Updated: 11:47 Friday, September 28, 2001