Edinburgh nets Fisher post

He left his position as manager of Billericay Town last week to take over at Ryman League Premier Division rivals Fisher Athletic.

Justin, good luck at Fisher. How do you feel about the appointment?

I am excited and looking forward to the challenge. It wasn't a decision I took lightly. But jobs like this don't come up everyday. So when I was offered the position, I realised immediately that it would be a positive move for me.

The chairman Eren Muduroglu approached Billericay and asked if he could speak to me. I think you always have to explore these avenues so I went to hear what he had to say. And it was an opportunity that I think was right for myself. In fact, it was too good a job to turn down.

The backing of the chairman and the move to the new stadium were the decisive factors. We have seen Chelmsford City in the Ryman League open a new ground last week and they packed it out so there is always a feel good factor when a club launches a new arena. Eren has fantastic plans for Fisher. The new stadium will be one of the best in Non-League football. They are going places and they have a talented squad that I am looking forward to working with. Fisher are an up and coming club. They have a good tradition and they have been Conference members in the past.

So what are your hopes at Fisher?

I join the club with the aim of getting promotion this season. Fisher are in amongst it and the championship has four or five teams in contention. Things were a lot more clear cut last season when Yeading were out in front with a big cushion. But there are a number of good sides involved this time around and I think it will go all the way to the wire. It is an exciting time to become involved at Fisher and we have a great chance of going up to the Nationwide South.

You had been at Billericay Town as manager since the summer of 2003. Did you enjoy it?

I had a great working relationship with chairman Steve Kent and I feel I made progress there. We had an excellent season in 2004/5 and just missed out on promotion. We finished second and then lost to Leyton in the play-off semi-final. I will always be grateful to Billericay for giving me my first chance in senior management. I think I have left them in a healthy position with a young, talented squad that is only going to get better. So I move on from there with my head held high and without any bad taste.