NEW Harwich and Parkeston boss Glenn Eldridge has appointed Paul Grainger as his assistant manager.

The pair are joining forces to try and guide the rejuvenated Shrimpers out of the Essex and Suffolk Border League and back into the Thurlow Nunn League.

Pre-season training begins on Tuesday night, ahead of the first friendly at home to Stansted on July 26.

Eldridge, who took over late last month, says the vastly-experienced former Long Melford and Cornard United chief, who lives in Manningtree, is a “great fit” for the Shrimpers.

“Paul’s very experienced and well-respected, with plenty of contacts in the non-league game, especially in the Ipswich area,” said the former FC Clacton boss.

“He’s a great fit and someone I’m really looking forward to working alongside.

“People have told me his football knowledge is second to none.

“Hopefully we can be a good combination as we’re both very hungry and passionate about being successful at Harwich.

“I know how much he cares about the club and he only has good things to say about it.

“I can learn a lot from him, because I’m a relatively young manager and he’s been doing this for 35 years.

“He’s got so much experience and he’s got a proven track record of building sides and working with clubs without a big budget.

“When he said he was interested in becoming my number two, it was a no-brainer.

“He can only help me and I really believe we can take the club forward together.”

Eldridge is looking forward to his first training session and is hopeful of a big turnout.

The bulk of last season’s squad have indicated they will attend, as have several other players and potential new signings.

“It’s all verbal at the moment and until the registration form are available, you never quite know who’s going to turn up or want to sign,” said the Harwich boss.

“But players have indicated that they’ll be there next week and I’m looking forward to my first session with the club.

“My first few weeks in the job have been really good.

“I’ve had positive feedback, both from players and people in the town, including Martin Webb, the head coach at Harwich Boxing Club.

“He’s said he’ll come down and do some sessions with the boys.

“I want to do things right and as professionally as possible, to make sure we’re properly prepared for the start of the Border League season on August 13.”

Harwich have six friendlies scheduled in total.

All will take place at the Royal Oak.

After Stansted, they play East Bergholt on July 28, Haverhill Rovers on July 30, Saffron Walden on August 2, Westerfield on August 6 and Brightlingsea Regent on August 9.