New Regent head coach Ryan is looking forward to pre-season starting

The 26-year-old had been looking forward to a well-earned breather after last season's Ryman League division north title success, having been a pivotal part of the club's management team alongside boss James Webster, assistant Chris Smith and head coach Angelo Harrop.

Now, having been promoted to replace the latter, who decided to move on, Salter is counting the days until effectively starting his new role this Saturday.

"It's a great opportunity for me and I was so pleased to be asked," he said.

"I was really looking forward to a break after last season.

"As great as it was, it was a very long year with a lot of pressure and I was ready for a breather.

"Now, because of this opportunity, I can't wait to get started and pre-season training can't come soon enough.

"I'm already working hard planning the sessions, including the first one on Saturday week.

"I think it's important to have discipline when it comes to coaching and I'm very keen to come up with fresh ideas, so the players aren't doing the same things over and over again.

"It's important to mix things up, keep it fresh and not be repetitive.

"I really enjoy coaching but also love other elements of the job, like watching opponents and working on the tactical side of things.

"That's something I've learnt from James."

Salter, a holding midfielder in his playing days, first joined Regent when he was 15.

He moved on to Jody Brown's Halstead Town before playing for Wivenhoe Town, under Julian Dicks, and Stanway Rovers, under Paul Bate and Rob Symes.

He then rejoined Brightlingsea before a nasty knee injury - a torn cruciate ligament that required surgery - curtailed his playing days during the close season, just after the team had been promoted to the Ryman League from the Thurlow Nunn League.

"I've played with most of the boys before so there's a level of respect there already," said the Colne Community School teacher.

"They know me and I know them and I've only got positive things to say about what they achieved last season. They were absolutely fantastic.

"I've also got nothing but praise for James, too.

"He's brilliant and has improved as he's gone along, gaining experience and enjoying success.

"He has very clear expectations and runs a tight ship, working so hard.

"That's something the players appreciate because it rubs off on them.

"Chris (Smith) is also great. He says things how they are and it's great to have his voice and opinions in the dressing room.

"He also works extremely hard and has great contacts, which paid off last season in terms of our recruitment.

"The three of us work very well together and the same goes for (player-coach) Pip (Boyland)."

Regent are preparing for their first-ever season in the Ryman League premier division, having stormed to the division north title after finishing 12 points clear of runners-up Maldon and Tiptree.

"People are predicting that we'll be down the bottom of the table," added Salter.

"I can understand that, in the sense that we've just been promoted and we're rubbing shoulders with some much bigger teams.

"To be fair, I don't think any managers or players will be complacent.

"We've never done that and we're at a level now where people are more professional.

"However, from what I've seen and read on social media, we might catch a few supporters out because there are definitely some who will take us lightly.

"We need to start well, hit the ground running and try and build on the success and momentum of last season.

"If we can do that, who knows what could happen."

Regent will start with double training sessions on Saturdays, breaking to have lunch together, and the players will also train on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The schedule will then be adapted when the pre-season friendlies begin.

The first of those is away to Little Oakley on July 8.