BERTIE Brayley says he is up to the challenge after being appointed Burnham Ramblers player/manager with days to go until the new season.

Lee Elliston resigned last week after just a fortnight in the post, after taking over from Keith Wilson who left to manage Heybridge Swifts, due to new work commitments, which meant he would be unable to dedicate the time he needed to at Leslie Field.

Brayley, 32, from Basildon, took over the vacant post only 24 hours after Elliston had stepped down, having been approached by the board members at the Ryman One North club.

The former Chelmsford City, Canvey Island, Braintree Town, Concord Rangers, Great Wakering Rovers, Billericay Town and ex-West Ham United FA Youth Cup winner has already had a brief spell as a manager, at Basildon United last year.

And Brayley said he couldn’t wait to get back into management.

“I was approached on Friday and met the board and, a bit later on, I got the call,” said Brayley.

“I was very excited to take on the job.

“It is going to be tough getting to know players this quickly, but it’s a challenge I am looking forward to. There are players I know and players I don’t know, but everyone will get a fair chance.”

They open their new league campaign away at Romford on Saturday.