GARRY Kimble has set his sights on keeping Great Wakering Rovers in the Isthmian North after being appointed the club’s new manager.

Kimble has taken over at Burroughs Park after Iain O’Connell resigned last week.

And Kimble is looking forward to being in the Wakering dugout.

The 51-year-old said: “I’m pleased to be the new manager of Great Wakering Rovers.

“The chairman phoned me on Sunday and asked whether I would be interested in the job.

“I thought about it and spoke to my coaches.

“They agreed to join me at Wakering and so I’m pleased to take over at the club.”

Kimble takes over having gained experience in the dugout with the likes of Tilbury, Burnham Ramblers and Witham Town.

The ex-defender, who counts the likes of Charlton Athletic, Doncaster Rovers and Dagenham & Redbridge among his former clubs, guided Witham to two promotions in three seasons before parting company in 2016.

David Patient, Johnny Ray and Curtis Whyte will make up Kimble’s backroom staff at the Isthmian North newcomers.

Kimble added: “Johnny and Curtis were with me at Witham.

“We enjoyed a lot of success there - taking Witham from the Essex Senior League into the Isthmian Premier League.

“It was important that they joined me at Wakering.”

Kimble has been confirmed as the new Wakering chief less than three weeks before their season gets underway with an away clash with Romford on Saturday, August 11.

Wakering bagged a place in the Isthmian North just 12 months after suffering relegation from the division as they won the Essex Senior League title under O’Connell’s stewardship.

Kimble will get to work with his players immediately, with the new campaign fast approaching.

And the new boss confirmed keeping Wakering in the division would be among his greatest achievements in management.

Kimble admitted: “It’s going to be a very, very difficult season because there are so many good teams in this division.

“I am under no pressure from the chairman and if we finish fifth from bottom, that would be a fantastic achievement.

“When you take into consideration the budget we have, it would be right up there with winning two promotions with Witham and my other achievements.

“I’m not saying it would be a miracle to keep Wakering in the Isthmian North, but it would definitely be a great achievement.”