NEWLY-appointed boss Glenn Burnett says he is relishing the opportunity to try to revive the fortunes of Wessex Premier strugglers New Milton Town.

The 37-year-old will officially take charge for the first time tonight when the Linnets host Hayling United in a relegation humdinger at Fawcett’s Field (7.45pm).

Burnett replaced former bosses Steve May and Darran Atkins who left the club bottom of the table and without a point from their first six league games at the helm.

A qualified UEFA B coach, Burnett enjoyed a successful spell as manager of Romsey and had started this season on the coaching staff at Blackfield & Langley.

Burnett, who will be assisted by John McFarlane, told the Daily Echo: “The squad is light and a few are a little shy on fitness. There are reasons why the team conceded 27 goals in their first six games and we are looking to address these.

“I have looked at the next 10 games and the fixtures have been fairly kind because we miss a few of the big boys. Every game is going to be tough for us but, hopefully, we can get some points on the board.

“I don’t think the league is at its strongest this season and there are other clubs on small budgets who are doing fantastically well. The job doesn’t frighten me and there is reason why we can’t turn things round. But it is not going to happen overnight because it is almost like starting again.”

Linnets: (from) Thomas, Morris, Littler, Drew, Colman, Newman, Fox, Holland, Howes, Baldacchino, Donaldson, Gillett, Fields, Norion, Breaker, Amey.

• Midfielder Chris Smith returns to the Christchurch squad for their visit to Laverstock & Ford (7.45pm). High-flying Priory head to the Dell bidding to record an eighth successive victory in all competitions.

Priory: (from) Kearn, Grace, Legg, Crutchley, Brian, Costello, M Smith, Fairbrother, Osborne, Burt, Griffin, Swann, Cooper, Dand, Brown, Roberts, C Smith.

• Ex-Cherries apprentice Shane Murphy will deputise for unavailable first-choice goalkeeper Simon Evans when Hamworthy United visit Alresford Town (7.45pm).

Hammers: Murphy, Lockyer, Haysom, Horlock, Yelland, Cannie, Head, Robinson, Corby, Burbidge, Satterley, Wilkins, Pidgley, Byrom, White.