KEVIN RAYNER says he is confident of a bright future at Chipstead, although he says that some rebuilding is needed at High Road.
The 53-year-old took charge of the Chips last week, having joined from Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central side Guildford City.
Rayner, who lives in Selsdon, enjoyed a successful four-year spell at Guildford, during which time he led them to promotion from the Combined Counties League Premier Division.
But he said he felt the time was right for a change, adding that he was looking forward to a new challenge with the Chips, alongside his assistant of ten years, Roly Martin.
He said: "I can't wait to get going. I have had a good meeting with [chairman] Geoff [Corner] and I am really looking forward to it.
"I will be at looking at what we have got to work with here and look to make us competitive next season."
Rayner added that he felt he was leaving Guildford City in a good position, having finished ninth in their first season in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central. But he said the challenge ahead at Chipstead was one he looked forward to, with time now to prepare the squad for next season.
He said: "I think we are leaving them [Guildford] in a good place. We really took them to a good level through our success there and I really enjoyed it.
"But I am pleased to have now joined Chipstead, which is a good club that is local to me.
"It is the ideal time to take over with the summer to plan and prepare for next season and fine tune the squad."
And although he has not been managing in the Ryman Leagues, Rayner says he has good knowledge of the non-league scene in the area from previous spells with Carshalton Athletic, Croydon Athletic and Farleigh Rovers.
He said: "I know a lot of the sides in the Ryman League and I know it will be a competitive division next season. There are a few local sides in there too which makes it better for the gates with local derbies and we are all looking forward to that."
And Rayner is confident of fulfilling the ambitions of both the club and himself with the Chips.
He said: "We will be trying to build on what we have got and look to bring some good players in over the summer."