GLEN Kendall is relishing the challenge of guiding Basildon United away from the Isthmian North drop zone.

Kendall has been appointed as the Bees’ new head coach following John Sussex’s resignation at the weekend.

And the 34-year-old is looking forward to working with an experienced crop of players at the Cousins Car Wash Stadium.

“I am delighted to have been appointed the new head coach of Basildon United,” said Kendall.

“The club is really well run and my job is to steady the ship.

“I met the lads before the Essex Senior Cup game with Aveley and they are really good.

“I’m very fortunate because I have come into a club where it seems that everything is already in place and there is a happy, settled squad.”

Kendall has taken charge after resigning as boss of Essex Senior League side Clapton on Monday.

And Kendall, who also had a brief stint as the manager of Leyton Athletic last season, is looking to bring an exciting brand of football to his new employers.

“I want to add more direction and implement a style of play that will excite the fans,” added Kendall.

“You can’t win games of football without the ball. The ball is priceless, so my aim is to make sure we keep the ball.

“I want to focus on ourselves more than the opposition.

“Too often at this level of football the ball goes in the air, but that’s not my style.”

Despite retiring at the age of 28, Kendall hung up his boots having played in England, the United States of America, Poland, Norway, Australia and Thailand.

And Kendall is enjoying life in management.

“My football career started with a scholarship in the United States of America, but I split my kneecap when I was 20 and that kept me out for three years,” admitted Kendall.

“I decided to hang my boots up early because I was still having problems with my knee and just prolonging my career.

“That allowed me to get a headstart and focus on coaching.”

Kendall was confirmed as Sussex’s successor after Basildon chairman David Maxwell and vice-chairman Lee Connor interviewed four bosses for the position.

And Connor felt Kendall was the leading candidate.

“Glen presented himself very well in the interview and he fits the bill perfectly,” said Connor.

“The style of play he wants to implement is great and I think the players we already have at the club will compliment that.

“I know Glen has not managed at this level before but I’m a firm believer in giving people a chance.”

And Connor admits there is a reason as to why Kendall has been given the job title of head coach rather than manager.

“At this present time, I think having a head coach will be better for us and the team John had already put together,” he added.

“We believe in the players and are certain they will turn it around. We don’t need wholesale changes.”