NEW manager Glenn Eldridge wants to revive the fortunes of “sleeping giant” Harwich and Parkeston.

And the former FC Clacton boss is excited by the challenge ahead – to help the Shrimpers regain their place in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Eldridge, who had been assistant manager at Long Melford and coaching at Holland FC, officially took over on Friday afternoon, shaking hands with chairman Tony Armstrong.

He admits it was an agonising football, giving up step five football in order to take over at an Essex and Suffolk Border League club.

However, he is convinced he has made the right decision.

“It took me a while to make my mind up,” said Eldridge, who replaces joint-bosses Martin Warnes and John Fidgett.

“It was the hardest decision I’ve had to make, football-wise.

“I could have carried on being number two at Melford and could have carried on doing some coaching at Holland FC, on the doorstep and with the prospect of Thurlow Nunn League football.

“But I’m really looking forward to a new challenge and I’ve missed management.

“I’ve missed picking a team and dealing with players.

“People may see it as a step down but purely in terms of the size of the club, there aren’t many bigger in our part of Essex. It’s far from a spent force.

“I always knew Harwich was a big club but it’s really struck me since Friday.

“People are so passionate about the club and there’s so much history.

“It’s going to be very hard and it’s not going to happen overnight.

“Even so, I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully I can play my part in helping the club move forward again and putting it back on the map.

“I don’t want to look back and regret missing this opportunity.”

Clacton-based Eldridge spoke to various friends and contacts in non-league football and said they all encouraged him to take the post.

“I spoke to lots of people – people I’ve worked with before, who I really respect – and, to a man, they all said the same thing,” said the 32-year-old.

“They all said to go for it because the club is a sleeping giant.

“One said I’d be mad not to take it and I’d rather take on the challenge than regret missing an opportunity.

“Everyone said really good things about (chairman) Tony (Armstrong), too.

“They said I couldn’t wish for a better or more honest chairman and, to be fair, he didn’t rush me or pressure me for a decision.

“He let me take my time, because he knew it was a big decision.

“Tony has told me he’s going back me completely and let me run the football side of things, so I see it as a blank canvas.

“It’s an opportunity to really put my stamp on the club.

“I have contacts locally, especially with young players, and a few managers have already said they’ll try and help me out, if possible.

“A few players have said they’ll dual register and play for us when they get a chance.

“To be honest, I’ve been humbled by the reaction and I really want to build a squad of young, hungry players.”

Eldridge has already arranged pre-season friendlies against Stansted, Haverhill Rovers and Ilford.