JAMIE O’Hara remains confident that Billericay Town will challenge for promotion this season.

Billericay broke back into the National League South play-off places thanks to picking up a point in the local derby with Concord Rangers on Saturday.

And O’Hara, who was in charge for the trip to the Aspect Arena with Harry Wheeler not taking over as boss until yesterday, maintained he would not have returned to Billericay if he did not believe promotion was possible.

“I still believe, 100 per cent, that we can win promotion,” said O’Hara, who has been appointed player-coach.

“Our aim is still to get the club promoted because that is what we want.

“Winning the title is probably out of our reach now, but we’re going to get the boys playing well and being positive.

“With the squad of players we have got, we should get in the play-offs and I believe we can go all the way and get the club promoted.”

Having won the treble - with Town claiming the Isthmian Premier League title as well as the Essex Senior Cup and Isthmian League Cup honours - under Wheeler last term, Billericay owner Glenn Tamplin made it clear that the aim was to secure back-to-back promotions.

Following a promising start to the campaign, Wheeler was sacked after the first defeat of term and replaced by Dean Brennan.

However, a testing festive period saw Billericay suffer five defeats in their last six National League South outings before drawing with Concord.

O’Hara oversaw proceedings in the away dugout at the Aspect Arena and the former Premier League midfielder, who played a key role as Town won the treble last season, is relishing his first coaching role.

“It was great in the dugout and I really enjoyed it,” added the 32-year-old.

“Once I’m out on the pitch, I feel fine. I was a little bit nervous in the changing room before the game, but that is part and parcel of learning.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me to be on the coaching staff and be part of it with Harry.

“I can’t wait to see the boys playing really well.

“I thought the boys were fantastic at Concord and it’s all about attitude.

“We want to be positive, on the front foot and brave.

“Not many teams go to Concord and get a good result because they’ve got a good side and manager.

“We nearly got all three points but we will stay positive.”