NEW Brantham Athletic boss Michael Brothers has no regrets about his decision to return to playing - and says he learnt a lot during his short spells at Maldon and Tiptree and Brightlingsea Regent.

The striker was unveiled as Imps boss on Monday morning, replacing Ben Swan.

It represents a swift return to the Leisure Centre for Brothers, who quit his role as joint-boss with Matt Carmichael - now Little Oakley boss - in late October.

He said he wanted to revive his playing career and joined Bostik League side Maldon, before moving onto Regent.

However, now he is ready to concentrate on management again and looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"There's a bit of apprehension but it's mainly excitement," he said.

"It's a big opportunity and one I was really keen to take.

"I've loved my time playing again and stand by my decision.

"I've got no regrets, even if it's only been for a few short months.

"But it's a massive commitment playing at step three level.

"There's so much training and travelling involved and I've found that tough, in terms of family life.

"Management will obviously be a huge commitment, too, but I know this will work better.

"I always enjoyed the management side of things and although some people will say going back is a bit of a gamble, I don't see it that way."

Brothers feels he will be a better manager because of his experiences at Maldon and Regent.

"Even though they were only short spells, I learnt so much from Wayne Brown, at Maldon, and Tom Rothery and Pip Boyland, at Brightlingsea," he said.

"I've listened and watched the way they work and I'm planning to use certain things within my management.

"It doesn't feel like it was earlier this season that I was at Brantham.

"I know the club and know the people.

"It's a real family club and I had good times there working alongside Matty.

"If anything we over-achieved."

Brantham have no game this weekend and return to Thurlow Nunn League premier division action at home to Godmanchester Rovers on Tuesday night.

Brothers plans to concentrate on managing, rather than playing, in his side's last eight games of the season.

"Physically, it's been hard going in the last few weeks and, to start with, I want to concentrate on the management side of things," he said.

"That's my top priority at the moment but my boots won't be far away, either as a substitute or if needed at a later date.

"It's a great opportunity to start again and see where it takes both me and Brantham."

Brothers and Carmichael guided the Imps to a fifth-place finish in the premier division last season and put the cherry on the cake by winning the League Cup.

It was the club's first major cup silverware since 1984.