Platnauer originally played for Bedford as a locally-based teenager before joining Bristol Rovers in 1977. Now he's back and proud to be home again!

Platnauer said:" I started my career with Bedford Town. When I was 18, I played in the Southern League for the club and we had a decent team then. We finished second and won the cup. So that was a good start for me - being a ocal lad as well.

"No matter who you manage, you want success for that club. But it would be a big thing for me to do well in charge at Bedford because it is where I started off. My parents still live in the town and I am proud to be involved here."

Platnauer, 42, had a much travelled career at the professional level. He played nearly 400 games for Bristol Rovers, Coventry City, Birmingham City, Reading, Cardiff City, Notts County, Port Vale, Leicester City, Scunthorpe, Mansfield and Lincoln City. But he also has an extensive pedigree outside the Football League.

He said: "I'd like to think I know a bit about the non-League level. I came out of the professional game and went to Bedworth as assistant manager with Dean Thomas, who I played with at Notts County. We finished third in the Dr Martens League two years running. Then I went to Hinckley United when they amalgamated with Hinckley Town and we finished third in the Dr Martens there.

"After that, I went to Rothwell Town and built it up from nothing over three years before leaving under disappointing circumstances. Then I was at Kettering earlier this season as caretaker for five league matches and a couple of Trophy ties, where I had a reasonable amount of success.

"I'm still learning my trade and it is very difficult. I think football management is the hardest thing in the world. You've got a lot of people on the outside all thinking they can do the job, all thinking they can get better players, all thinking they can motivate the players you have got.

"But when you are actually in it and amongst it, it is a difficult job. At the end of the day, there can only be one league winner and one cup winner so we are all striving as managers to become the best and yet there is only one of us that will succeed every year."

Platnauer's hometown team went bust before being reforming in the South Midlands League in 1990. They have since progressed right up to the Ryman League Premier Division and are looking onwards and upwards. The boss is pleased to have the opportunity of putting something back into the club he started out with.

"Bedford have come a long, long way. They reformed 14 years ago playing on park pitches. And people tend to forget that. They remember Bedford from the 60's, 70's and 80's and think that is a continuation of that club.

"So it is a tremendous thing that we are pushing towards getting into the new Conference set-up. The chairman is ambitious and we are spending £400,000 in the close season to give us better facilities. Hopefully with the backing of the community, the town and the loyal supporters we have, we can go forward.

"The new facilities will help us progress and will make us a more attractive proposition when recruiting new players. We will meet the ground grading requirements for the proposed Conference Second Division so all we have to do now is get the required results on the field of play."

Platnauer is Bedford's third manager this season. So 'The Eagles' are now looking for a period of stability ahead.

"The club had a difficult time before I came in. At this level, whenever a manager leaves it is inevitable that players follow. That's what happened at Bedford so the side has been rebuilt this season. I don't intend making any wholesale changes. All that was lacking was probably a little bit of confidence, consistency of performance and being able to go the whole 90 minutes. So far, the players have shown me they can do it.

"I've had my honeymoon period in charge and there is now a lot of hard work to do. There could be up to 13 places up for grabs in the new Conference set-up and there are still eight teams challenging for them. We are one of those sides so there is all to play for. We have got to keep winning football matches."

Former Spurs, Chelsea, Glasgow Rangers and England star Graham Roberts has been appointed as the new manager of Braintree Town in the Ryman League Premier Division. Roberts has extensive non-League managerial experience with the likes of Enfield, Yeovil, Chesham, Slough, Hertford, Boreham Wood and Carshalton. He replaces David Culverhouse, who resigned at Braintree last week.

Scarborough have confirmed plans to sell their McCain Stadium for £2.5 million and develop a new ground in the Eastfield area of the seaside town.

The Conference club hope to obtain planning permission later this year.

Paul Aldridge, the son of former Liverpool star John, has joined Runcorn FC Halton of the UniBond League from Irish side Derry City.

Gateshead chairman Mike Coulson has resigned due to funding and investment problems at the UniBond club. He spent 18 months in the hot seat.