NEW Andover Town boss John Robson says he is looking forward to taking over the reins at the club after being announced as first team manager.

The former Blackfield and Langley tactician was handed the role this week following the announcement that former boss Neil Benson would become the club’s new director of football.

Robson, who was Benson’s assistant during Town’s most recent Wessex Premier League campaign, will become the club’s second ever manager following their formation in 2013.

He told the Advertiser: “I’m really looking forward it.

“Andover is a great club and it has got some really good facilities behind it.

“We had very good players there last season but as is football at this level you are never sure how many you will get back.

“But we will be looking to bring in new faces, young and experienced.”

Robson brings a wealth of experience as a manager having had spells at Bashley, AFC Totton and Gosport Borough.

He has also played professionally and even had a spell as a player for the old Andover FC side while the club were still at Walled Meadow.

Prior to joining Town last season, Robson most recently managed fellow Wessex Premier League side Blackfield and Langley.

He joined in June 2015 after turning down an offer to become director of football and teamed up with Benson at Andover for the 2015-16 campaign.

The pair masterminded Town’s fourth placed finish last season, but the club narrowly missed out on promotion to the Southern League.

Asked if they will challenge for promotion again this season, Robson said: “If I said it now it would be the word ‘hope’ we can challenge.

“If you ask me six or eight weeks into the season I would say yes we could push for the top three or no we won’t.

“What I can say is that we will definitely give it the best shot possible.”

Asked about his plans for Andover Town he added: “I will probably run things slightly differently to Neil.

“Neil’s running of a club is excellent there are no two ways about it and his preparation is like a Premier League club.

“I will try and add my own experience and my way which is to get to know my players as people as well as footballers.

“I’m the type of manager players can ring up and tell me if they are struggling.”

Robson will be supported in his role by new assistant manager, Andover Town full back Brad Benson.

It has also been confirmed that Robson will have coaching support from ex-Dorchester centre back Ashley Vickers and former Havant and Waterlooville midfielder Brian Dutton.

Club chairman Stuart Barlow said: “John is a talented manager, who has bought into the aims and ethos of the club, and has, obviously, had previous success at this level.

“We have been able to retain a large proportion of last years’ squad and, over the coming days, will be adding a number of others.”