NEW Brightlingsea Regent manager Tom Rothery is bracing himself for a challenging first month – but insists he stepped into the job with his eyes wide open.

Four players have left since previous boss James Webster resigned to join Aveley on October 10.

Striker Tom Richardson became the most recent departure, having joined National League South side East Thurrock United on Sunday.

George Doyle (Aveley) and Jack Wilkinson (Mildenhall Town) have also moved on, along with midfielder Connor Hogan.

Rothery expects more players to pass through the exit door in the next month.

However, on the flip side, he has re-signed midfielder Jake Turner from AFC Sudbury and, despite the comings and goings, he is ready to embrace his challenge at the Taydal Stadium.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be a busy and demanding first month,” said the R’s former head coach, who has rejoined from Needham Market.

“I always knew it was going to be that way, though, and came into the job with my eyes wide open.

“I knew the situation and knew the budget.

“James was always going to be a difficult act to follow, given the length of time he’d been at the club and success he’d enjoyed.

“Then there are other side issues, like players leaving and the task of trying to bring new ones in.

“It’s a very transitional time and while we’ve already lost four, there will probably be more departures – almost certainly another three – but that can’t happen until I’ve had a chance to bring new players in.

“I accept that, but it’s going to make life difficult because we’re losing quality and also numbers.

“I’m trying to bring players in but that’s not easy, because they’ve got to be good enough to play step three football.

“They also have to be driven by ambition, rather than money, because the reality is that they can earn more in the Thurlow Nunn League.

“But that’s my job and it’s something I’m looking forward to getting stuck into as soon as possible, because I don’t want the remaining players to get unsettled.”

After being interviewed for the vacant position last Wednesday, Rothery was officially unveiled on Friday afternoon and led his side to a 2-1 victory at Harrow Borough in the Bostik League premier division on Saturday.

Ironically, Richardson signed off with both goals before later being sent off.

Former Rowhedge boss Rothery was delighted to get off to a winning start and after the tricky transitional time, he is looking forward to making his mark.

“I was very happy at Needham (where he was coach and later head coach) and enjoyed working with Richard Wilkins,” said the 41-year-old.

“He’s a great manager and a nice bloke and I hadn’t been looking to leave.

“But when this opportunity came along, I didn’t feel I could turn it down.

“I want to test myself and having been an assistant manager for the last seven years, I felt the time was right to stick my head above the parapet and take on a new role.

“It’s a massive gamble and I know that as manager, the buck now stops with me.

“But it was an opportunity I couldn’t resist and I knew that if I let it pass me by, I would have regretted it.

“It’s going to be a real challenge but I’m so pleased to be back at Brightlingsea.

“It’s a great club where everyone is very down to earth.

“There’s no stuffiness or snobbery and there aren’t any egos here.

“Everyone is warmly welcomed and they’ve kept their humility, despite climbing up through the divisions.

“That’s one of the club’s great strengths.

“I feel I can do well here and wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t believe in myself.

“My father-in-law passed away last week and that was one of the things that influenced my decision, because you only live once and have to go for things.

"You have to grab opportunities.

“It’s going to be my toughest challenge in football.

“It’s a high level and there’s lots of scrutiny, but my aim is the same as every season at whichever club I’m at – to win the league.

“Realistically, staying up will be an achievement but I always think you have to be bold and ambitious and aim for the best.

“Otherwise what’s the point?

“As a player, I’d have hated my manager saying we’re aiming to stay up or even mid-table.

“It’s important to strive for the best and to be the best you can be.”