COLCHESTER United legend Karl Duguid believes he has a “great opportunity” after taking over as Stanway Rovers manager.

The ex-U’s skipper was appointed before Christmas but takes charge for the first time tomorrow, against Saffron Walden Town.

Rovers are second in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division and trying to stay in touch with runaway leaders Mildenhall Town.

And with the club also still going strong in the League Challenge Cup, Duguid is looking forward to sinking his teeth into the challenge ahead.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down,” said the 38-year-old, who played over 400 games for Colchester.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to get into for a while but the chance hasn’t really been there until now.

“Stanway are a big club locally.

“The catchment is ideal, both in terms of support and recruiting new players, and the potential is undoubtedly there.

“I’m really looking forward to my first game.

“It seems like a while since I was appointed, so it’s been a long time coming.

“I know the players and I know the club.

“I also know how much hard work was put in by (previous manager) Angelo (Harrop) and his assistants, Al (Drennan) and Danny (Slatter).

“I don’t want things to fall apart and I want to continue and build on their good work.

“Naturally, I’ve got my own ideas on how things might be done so there will be some tweaking.

“Everyone has their own methods in terms of management and coaching and that’s only natural.

“It will be different but there’s a good team at the club that have done really well in the last couple of years and I want the players to continue enjoying their football.”

Having previously met with the players, Duguid took charge of his first training session on Tuesday night.

His first game will be against Saffron Walden, at The Hawthorns tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

And although there is a sizeable 16-point gap between Stanway and a formidable Mildenhall team, Duguid has told his players that “anything could happen”.

“Obviously we’re relying on another team to slip up but I’ve told the players to keep concentrating on winning our matches and not worry about others,” he said.

“We can’t affect other teams but we can obviously affect our own results.

“There’s a lot to play for and anything could happen, in terms of promotion.”

Stanway have only lost one player since Harrop resigned just before Christmas.

Defender Jack Cawley has signed for Ryman League side Heybridge Swifts.

However, Duguid is hopeful that the rest will stay put and he said: “My main aim is to keep the core of the squad together.

“We’ve lost one and I understand Jack’s reasons for leaving for Heybridge.

“I’ve known him for years and he told me it’s time for a fresh challenge, which I respect.

“It’s a step up for him, so we wish him well. Hopefully everyone else will stick together, though, and I also feel the squad needs a bit more strength in depth.

“That’s one of the things I’ll be looking to address in the next three weeks or so.”

Duguid will be assisted by former FC Clacton number two Jon Willis, who he has previously coached alongside at Needham Market.

“Jon is someone I’ve known for a while,” said Duguid, who also confirmed that he would like to introduce a Stanway under-18s team.

“I know, trust and respect him and we share the same beliefs, when it comes to football.

“He’ll tell me things as they are and certainly isn’t a yes man.

“Sometimes he’ll tell me things I don’t want to hear but that’s exactly what you need from an assistant manager.”

Duguid will be registered as a player but has no plans to pull on his boots.