Braintree Town chairman Lee Harding believes new boss Graham Roberts will do 'a cracking' job for the club.

Harding appointed the Tottenham Hotspur legend as manager yesterday and said: "I can't wait for him to get started.

"He's got a great pedigree and he was very keen to take the job.

"He's not universally liked because he's a winner, but I don't want a nice guy as manager of Braintree, I want someone who is going to bring success to the club."

Roberts, 44, has been coaching in Spain since he left Braintree's Ryman League premier division rivals Carshalton Athletic in the summer.

But Harding tracked Roberts down and persuaded him to become Braintree chief on a full-time basis - less than three days after Dave Culverhouse quit as Iron player-manager.

Roberts, who also played for Glasgow Rangers and Chelsea, will carry on coaching in Spain but will fly to and from Stansted airport for his Iron business.

Harding said: "There will be no problems with that. He will be here for training and games, but will also have time to carry on his coaching school."

Published Friday March 5, 2004

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