NEW Holland FC boss Paul Phelan believes it’s the “right time and right place” to make his long-awaited return to management.

The former Ware, Edgware Town and Haringey Borough full-back has spent the last 15 years coaching within soccer schools while working as a London firefighter.

He previously managed at Waltham Abbey, Ware and Haringey but left the latter in 2004.

He says there have been opportunities to get back into management but none that ticked every box and fitted in with his busy working life.

Holland are different, though – allied to the fact he now has more time on his hands as he has just retired after 30 years with the London Fire Brigade.

“I believe I’ve joined a great club – a perfect fit for me – and this was too good a job to turn down,” said the 54-year-old.

“Holland have excellent facilities and I've been impressed with the coaches there.

“It’s run by decent people and it’s like a family. People rely on each other.

“I’m very much looking forward to running a team again.

“I’ve had other offers in the past but it had to be the right club.

“If it didn’t have the right infrastructure, I wouldn’t have been interested.

“Holland are different, though, and this is the right time and right place.

“There’s a talented youth set-up pushing the reserves and a strong reserve team pushing the first team.

“That’s the way it should be and it means I’ve got lots of players to pick from.

“The youngsters will be the future of the club and I want to help them get into our first team, where they’ll be playing alongside our experienced senior players.”

Holland’s players reported back for pre-season training on June 4.

Phelan said it was a deliberate ploy to get them back early so he could get to know them and starting working on things for next season.

“I really wanted to get the boys back early,” he said.

“We haven’t pushed them too hard yet but will step things up from now on.

“I feel I’ve inherited a really good bunch and there will be a couple of additions.

“It’s a question of gelling together and getting the boys playing in a system I like.

“I have a certain way of playing but the boys have to be comfortable with it to make it work and be successful.

“We’re a work in progress but my early impressions are very positive.

“I’ve been impressed and feel we’ve made a strong start.

“We’ve had good numbers and the energy and enthusiasm levels have been amazing.

“There are a lot of very talented young players at the club and I honestly believe they’ve got it in them to break into our first team.”

Phelan will be joined by son Liam, a former Watford scholar, who has been added to the W&S Scaffolding Community Stadium squad.

Goalkeeper Nick Wilson has also signed while Alex Ball will now step up and be player-coach.

“It’s all systems go,” added Phelan, whose club have their first friendly at home to Elmden Rovers on July 10.

“I’m expecting a lot of the players and want to hit the ground running.

“We’ve got players pushing in every position and I’m feeling confident about what we can achieve.”

Phelan has replaced Rob Batten, who stepped down at the end of last season.

His assistant boss will be former Holland player Dave Chapman.

"I'm so pleased to have Dave on board," said Phelan.

"He's a real motivator who knows the club and its values.

"I'll certainly be tapping into his skills and for me, as someone who's new to the club, it's good to have some continuity and work alongside who knows it so well."