NEW Basildon United boss Craig Gillam says he is ‘up for the challenge’ after taking over the reins at the club.

Gillam takes over from outgoing boss Colin Cook, who left the club on Saturday, having worked with Cook at Bowers & Pitsea, Concord Rangers and Basildon United.

His only previous management position was assistant manager to Cook at the Bees this season and he was also under-18s boss at Bowers & Pitsea.

But the new Basildon manager says he will give it a good go, although admits he was sad to see Cook leave.

“Colin had little choice in his decision due to work commitments,” said Gillam.

“It is a shame to see him go because I have worked with him closely in the past but, at the same time, it is a challenge I am looking forward to.

“We spoke after the match (Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Clapton) and Colin said I was the man for the job and I am happy to step up.

“I have the backing of the players and it is a good step for me so we will see how it goes.”

Gillam confirmed that there would now be extra training sessions at the TLM Stadium, as he wanted to boost the players’ fitness levels.

“Core fitness and our playing patterns need to be looked at,” said the 32-year-old. “We have a decent squad and we now have to show that in games.”

And Gillam’s first test as boss comes tonight at Haringey Borough, who currently sit top of the Essex Senior League, with six wins from seven games.

“It is a difficult start,” said Gillam. “But we have to see it as a challenge we can overcome and it will give us a great boost if we can play well and take something from the game.”

Goalkeeper Russell Harley is suspended for the clash, with George Light and captain Mike Finneran also out of contention.

And Gillam said he would have to use the squad for his managerial debut, although he admitted he wasn’t sure what future his own playing career held.

He had been combining his role as assistant manager with his playing responsibilities but says he could hang up his boots to commit his concentration to his new role.

“We will have to see,” said Gillam. “I love playing and a few of the boys have told me they want me to carry on but we will see how the early games go and I will make a decision then.”

>BOWERS & Pitsea also play tonight in the second round of the Essex Senior Cup.

Rob Small’s side visit Stansted, although the manager says he may rotate the squad.

Goalkeeper Sean Hinton (head) may be back but Frank Everett (back), Dan Brown (work commitments), Rob Whitnell (suspended) and Tom Hine (wrist) are all out.