TOM Rothery has been appointed as the new manager of Brightlingsea Regent.

The R's former head coach will take charge for the first time tomorrow, for the team's Bostik League premier division fixture at Harrow Borough.

Rothery, a key part of Regent's rise through the divisions, left last season to become coach and then head coach at Needham Market.

He was the board's first choice from a "very healthy" list of applicants, including some who have managed at a higher level.

A club statement said: "We would like to thank all the applicants for their interest and wish them the best of luck in their future careers.

"Tom has a very close affinity with Regent, having been a big part of our rapid rise through the leagues over the last few years.

"With relation to his last appointment, he also has an excellent knowledge of the teams we are competing with in the Bostik League premier division.

"We see Tom as a long-term placement and will do our utmost to support him in his new role.

"The relationship with the Colne Community/BRFC Academy will be maintained and strengthened and will be the place to be for up-and-coming young players looking to make their way in the game at the highest level in our area.

"After the recent upheaval, the board will help Tom regain some stability before getting on with the business of finishing as high up the league as we can.

"Our ultimate future aim is to make the play-offs and gain promotion to the Vanarama Conference League.

"To help us achieve this under Tom’s managership, we will continue to actively pursue new revenue streams in the forms of sponsorship and advertising.

"This will be vital to Tom’s plans and his playing budget, which is probably one of the lowest in league.

"Some supporters at the club have already offered small amounts of finance to help fill the shortfall for which we are very grateful.

"The club would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to the players and staff who have remained steadfast during the last ten days or so, in particular Pip Boyland and Alan Wright, who have been rocks during a fairly difficult and uncertain period.

"We now push on and look to a bright future and get the feelgood factor back at the Taydal.

"One era has finished and a new one begins."