Billingham Town’s new manager Barry Oliver says he wants the sense of uncertainty around the club to disappear.

Oliver took over earlier this week from previous boss Darren Trotter, and his first aim is to instil a feeling of togetherness at the club which finished in the bottom half of the second division last season.

“First and foremost the club has lost its identity and fallen asleep over the years which is due to lack of sponsors backing the club in a way to move the club forward and be able to compete with clubs who are paying players, “ he said. “Therefore the plan is to have a three year plan put in place within the next three months to approach sponsors, local and North East based, and give the club some sort of financial lift to where we can be comfortable and be able to operate without always have to look over our shoulders.

“The structure of the club ie the ground set up and the pitch, is already in place for all to see, meaning we have a foundation to build from. From this it’s my responsibility to bring a good feeling back to the Evolution Arena and recruit players who have the winning mentality and play with a smile on their face every week and want to play here without any doubts in their mind.

“After meeting with club captain Andrew Lambert I sensed his feelings for the club and if everyone showed a fantastic attitude like him the club would already be in a better place. I want the fans to understand that things will not happen overnight but they will see the difference once things have been put in place. When I've absorbed also what has gone on over the years at the club and after sitting with the chairman, Peter Martin, and what he has told me, a lot of credit needs to go to him for keeping the club together and if anyone deserves to see this club move forward it's certainly him for the timeless effort he has put in.

“Everyone at the club now needs to realise this club has potential but everyone involved needs to be on the same page to bring success. I want the sense of uncertainty to disappear as that is what I felt when I arrived. Once we instil some stability on the pitch and become a force, the next part of the plan hopefully will be to assemble a reserve team and a youth academy which is affiliated to the club therefore players from reserves and youth have an aim to play in the senior team, something this club should have.

“As manager I'm offering all players old and new from 16 onwards from all areas to come along and see if they are what this club needs. This is fresh start for all to prove and let's take this club back to where it belongs.”