Dean Brennan is the new manager of the club and it sounds clichéd but he has been a breath of fresh air.

He has put his philosophy across straight away and has got people working doubly hard, harder than we were before I think. He thinks we need to be fitter and he can see the level of talent he has got to work with so it promises to be an exciting time for everyone.

Everyone has bought into what Deano wants and the first two training sessions and the match on Saturday have shown that.

I think it is a fantastic appointment. I had one of the best years of my career in terms of goals under Deano at Hemel before I got to Billericay. I scored a lot of goals and I haven’t looked back since then.

We were 4-1 winners on Saturday in the FA Cup and I was disappointed not to start. We have a big squad and players need minutes but I would have loved to have played. I got hat-tricks in both of the first two qualifying rounds last year and I would have fancied myself.

But it turned out to be a closer game than we expected and credit goes to Burnham for that.

I came on and got an assist which isn’t quite as good as a goal but it all helps the team.

On the flip side, I was quite happy to have a rest. At this age (31) a week off can do the world of good. It is the first time I haven’t started since the ill-fated day at Hendon (24 games ago) last year.

At this stage, we are doing pretty well and we will take on anyone at home. People don’t like coming to us as we are imposing.

We will host Whitehawk and on a personal note coming up against a former club and one I hold in high esteem is very exciting.

I am just annoyed we aren’t away as it’s much closer to my house!

There are a lot of people I am looking forward to seeing. Their manager has done wonders there and we will not underestimate them.

It’s a cup competition and anyone can beat anyone. We need to be professional if we are to progress.