CARETAKER-BOSS Mark Hawkes wants to become the next full-time manager of Heybridge Swifts.

The club stalwart has been appointed until the end of the season, following Wayne Bond’s recent sacking.

He will be assisted by first-team head coach Barry Lakin.

As things stand, it is only a short-term appointment – but Hawkes is determined to grab his opportunity and make it permanent.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” he told the Standard.

“This is a big opportunity for me to manage a club that’s been part of my life for so long.

“It might be the only chance I get and I want to be a strong contender for the job, when the board look at their options in the summer.

“Myself and Barry are in the number one position, simply because we’ve got between now and the end of the season to prove ourselves.

“It’s down to us to lay down our mark.”

Apart from a few short breaks, Hawkes has been at Scraley Road since he was 16.

He played for the club, has been reserve-team manager, caretaker manager and assistant manager.

Hawkes and Lakin have made two signings since replacing Bond.

Former Colchester United youth-teamer and ex-Swifts loanee Russell Pond has joined from Concord Rangers.

Fellow midfielder Michael Toner has also signed from Tilbury.

Heybridge have also lodged seven-day approaches for “two or three” other players, while as things stand no players are due to leave Scraley Road.

Swifts head to East Thurrock United on Saturday.

Swifts’ second string are at home to Wivenhoe Town Reserves on Saturday, in the Ridgeons Reserve League south division (kick-off 3pm).