GEORGE Borg's proven track record of managerial success will be invaluable to Braintree Town's new boss Jake Hutchings, according to the club's chairman Lee Harding.

Club captain Hutchings has been elevated to a player/manager position after the departure of former boss Glen Driver last week.

It is the first taste of management for the popular centre-half, who joined the club this summer, but the club have countered his lack of experience by appointing Borg as first team coach.

A well-known figure in Essex non-league football, Borg has UEFA A and B coaching qualifications and led Braintree to the Isthmian League play-offs, the Isthmian League title and then the Conference South play-offs in three successive seasons between 2005 and 2007.

And Harding is looking forward to tapping into that knowledge in his second stint at Cressing Road.

"George brings a lot of experience for us to use," said the Iron chairman.

"He knows a few things about how to win a championship as he's done it a few times over the years.

"He's also known by people here at Braintree - especially those who are longer-standing fans - and he's part and parcel of why we are where we are now.

"It could have been George who took us up into the Conference back in 2007 had it not been for a goal at Salisbury."

There is little secret that Borg's previous spell at Braintree ended with an acrimonious departure 12 years ago when he was removed by the club's board after a run of poor form and he had been critical of the Braintree board.

But Harding says that is all water that has long since flowed under a bridge.

He added: "There has been no bad blood with George since a couple of weeks after he left the club back in 2007.

"I've known him since he was in charge at Enfield and I was on the board there and that's 25 years ago.

"I know he's mellowed a bit in recent years and we're pleased to have him on board.

"If he is with you and you are winning then you can't beat him and, just like Jake, he doesn't like to lose.

"There's honestly no pressure on them and we just want them to enjoy it, work with the club and take us forward.

"We have a game plan in place.

"I know there are some in non-league football who may say things about our finances, but we are stable, we look after our own affairs and we are in a good position at the moment."