EXPERIENCED and well-respected Concord Rangers assistant manager Glen Alzapiedi has left the club to become Cheshunt’s first-team manager.

Alzapiedi leaves the Beachboys after two years, having overseen one of their most successful ever periods, in which they were promoted to the Conference South and won the Essex Senior Cup and Ryman League Cup.

And the 49-year-old revealed he thought this was the right time to leave, having been offered the post at the Ryman North club – after the dismissal of former Arsenal pro Omer Riza.

“I have actually been offered this job twice in the past,” admitted Alzapiedi. “The first time was when I was at Canvey and the second time was last season but it didn’t feel like the right time.

“I am only leaving Concord now because I fancied a new challenge and I thought I might regret it if I said no for a third time. I am about to turn 50 and felt this was the moment for me to accept the post.”

The former Ware, Harlow, Waltham Abbey and Canvey Island boss said he is confident of keeping Cheshunt in the Ryman North, despite their poor start to the season (they currently sit 20th) – starting with a trip to Thurrock on Saturday.

“There is a lot of unfulfilled potential at Cheshunt and it is my job to bring that out,” he said. “My main aim is to stabilise the club but I am not one to go in and make huge statements about what we can achieve.

“I have played against Mark Stimson’s side before and they will be well organised and a tough test.”

And the outgoing assistant manager was full of praise for Beachboys boss Danny Cowley, saying he had the potential to be a football league manager.

“I have the utmost respect for Danny and Nicky Cowley (player/coach). It is a rare thing to actually like everyone at a football club but Concord is very well run and I fully expect them to go on and be as successful as they have been in recent years.

“Danny is destined to go on and become a top coach at this level or beyond. I hope I have been able to teach him a few things on the way."