Alan Devonshire said he jumped at the chance to become Braintree Town's new manager.

Devonshire, 55, has taken over in the Cressing Road hot seat following the departure of Rod Stringer, earlier this month.

Former West Ham United midfielder Devonshire will lead the club in their first-ever season in the Conference.

He is set to sign a one-year deal with Braintree.

And after ending his eight-year spell at Hampton and Richmond, the new Iron boss is looking forward to the challenge that awaits.

Devonshire said: “It was a tough decision to leave Hampton.

“I was there for a long time and there are good people there.

“But as soon as I spoke to Lee (Harding) it was something that I had my eyes set on.

"I’m delighted to be here and I’m looking forward to it."

For more on this story and full coverage of Devonshire's appointment as Braintree manager, see this week's Braintree and Witham Times.