NEW Harwich and Parkeston manager Kieron Shelley says he has “fallen on his feet” after being unveiled as Shrimpers boss.

The former FC Clacton chief and assistant Mike Wallace have replaced Glenn Eldridge, who stepped down last week after being in charge since May 2016.

It is the dawn of a new era for the Shrimpers, who will be playing back at step six level next season in the new Thurlow Nunn League South division.

And Shelley says he cannot wait to get started at a club with such enormous potential.

“If you follow local football and know what you’re talking about, you’ll know Harwich are a really big club,” said Shelley, who previously enjoyed success as manager of Essex and Suffolk Border League side Weeley Athletic.

“They’re still one of the biggest around.

“They want to progress but it’s also a club with a real history and it wasn’t so long ago they were right up there flying the flag for Tendring and our north Essex coast.

“I’ve fallen on my feet and it’s a job that appeals massively.

“Tony Armstrong is a fantastic chairman – totally honest and up front.

“There are no hidden agendas and that goes for everyone at the club.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive.

“This is a club where everyone supports each other and the fans turn out in numbers.

“And if we become a winning side, packed with local players, they’ll come out in droves.

“I’m so excited by that prospect and the potential is endless.

“I hope the public really get behind us because that’s what we need in order to move forward.”

Harwich played in the Essex and Suffolk Border League last season but successfully applied to move up to the new Thurlow Nunn League South division, where they will join the likes of neighbours Little Oakley and fellow Tendring side Holland FC.

“Mike and myself are up for the challenge and we don’t fear the league,” added Shelley.

“Everyone is in the same boat and it’s an unknown quantity for us all.

“We’re working hard to be ready, organised and prepared and to get the right people through the door.

“I’m quietly confident we’ll have a very good squad, almost a premier division squad, and hopefully we can hit the ground running.

“Honesty, loyalty and hard work are three things I pride myself on and that’s what I’m looking forward in my players.

“We’ve already got seven or eight friendlies on the calendar and the boys will report back for pre-season training in the second week of June.

“Mike and myself can’t wait to get started.”