JAY Devereux says he is hugely excited to take on the challenge of managing internet sensations Hashtag United.

The former East Thurrock United assistant manager was appointed to the post earlier this week.

The club was established in 2016 by entrepreneur Spencer Owen and boasts a fanbase of more than 370,000 subscribers on YouTube, 326,000 on Instagram and 169,000 on Twitter.

Devereux, 42, stepped down from his post as East Thurrock assistant 15 months ago but, following Hashtag’s entry into the Eastern Counties League Division One South, says this is a role he is taking very seriously.

“I was approached by Spencer in February and he told me what he intended to do,” said Devereux, who knew Owen through his father Steve, who was the physiotherapist at East Thurrock.

“When they applied to be in the pyramid he said he wanted someone as manager with that experience. At the time I said I didn’t know as it’s a big drop and I didn’t know what he wanted.

“I agreed to take some sessions, added some structure and I enjoyed it. The vision is hard not to get excited about as it’s a blank canvas in the football traditional sense.

“In terms of what the team can achieve, we won’t really know until it gets started. It is a young fanbase but my guess is there is as many people at away games as at home games.

“For the club, it is about being established. It will attract criticism as the non-league community is traditionalist. We will not be paying players but there will be benefits in terms of exposure.

“I want ambitious footballers. I would like to think anyone that knows me will know I am not going into this for a gimmick.

“Anyone I add will bring experience and quality.”

Hashtag - who will play home matches at Haringey Borough’s Coles Park - won the Wembley Cup at Wembley last October in front of more than 32,000 supporters, with Robbie Fowler, Robbie Savage and William Gallas among those representing the club.

And Devereux, who admits he didn’t anticipate returning to the game so soon, said getting used to being in the spotlight will take some getting used to - the YouTube video of his unveiling has already garnered more than 170,000 views and more than 1,000 comments.

“Getting used to the camera will take a while,” he said. “It is very different but at the same time it is an experience to relish. I can only let people take me as they find me. The appeal of this club is huge and I want to help it take positive steps.”