GARSTANG manager Andy Payton is relishing the challenge the role brings after being appointed to the role at the end of May.
And the former Celtic and Burnley player is delighted to be in the hot seat and to have a chance to show what he can do.
He told the NWCFL's official website: "I've worked in football academies. I'm an ex-footballer myself; I've played for over 20 years as a pro.
"I've been through the coaching badges: I've done the UEFA-B and the UEFA-A licences.
"I was working for Radio Lancashire last season, doing the Burnley games home and away. I'd also been the first-team coach at Northwich Victoria a couple of years ago with Steve Wilkes, but I want to manage. The opportunity came up to apply and fortunately, they chose me."
Payton believes his experience on the pitch during his career will help his players. The striker scored 230 goals in 500 games.
He said: "I have a wealth of experience to pass on to my players. I certainly think it helps when players know that I've been there and I've done it.
"I think the players know that I know what I'm talking about and hopefully I can pass on my experience to them."
On the club's seventh-place finish last term Payton said: "They did excellently last season, especially in their first season up.
"What we want to do is to try to be competitive and get in and around the four places up for grabs.
"It's a great little place, Garstang, and we've got a lovely little ground there. The pitch is superb. Hopefully, we can keep progressing."