JOHN Sussex is eager to bring the feel good factor back to Basildon United after being appointed as the Isthmian North club’s new manager.

Sussex has been named as Neil Blackburn’s successor after leaving his role as assistant manager of Witham Town.

And, having been a member of the Bees’ backroom staff at the start of the campaign, Sussex is eager to bring stability back to the Ho Ho Stadium.

Sussex said: “I was with Basildon for four months at the start of the season.

“I joined the club in the summer to help Marc (Harrison) and Liam (Wallace) because it was their first season in the Isthmian North.

“I left in mid-October to become assistant manager at Witham Town and we were seven points clear at the top of the table.

“We have won just two games since I left and it’s been a turbulent time for the club.

“But it’s a challenge I wanted to take on and the most important thing is bringing stability to the club.

“Basildon United are my local team, I have a good relationship with vice-chairman Lee Connor and I cannot wait to get started.”

Sussex, who has previously worked as assistant manager of Tilbury, was unveiled as the Bees’ new boss yesterday.

And the ex-Tilbury reserves chief is pleased to have got his first managerial role.

“I have been coaching for a long time, but I have never been a manager at this level,” added Sussex.

“I’ve always been caretaker manager or assistant manager, so I’m really relishing the opportunity to show what I can do while in the top job.

“It’s a great challenge for me and the first target is to get us over the line in terms of securing survival.

“I think we only need one or two wins to do that and I am confident that we will achieve that in the weeks to come.

“It’s then important have a good pre-season because I am aiming to make us a competitive Isthmian North side next term.

“I am confident that I am the man who can achieve that with Basildon.

“I have worked on a small budget before, including with Witham, and so that will not be a problem for me.”

Sussex, whose first fixture in charge will be at Felixstowe & Walton United this weekend, also feels the time is right to step into the hotseat.

“I didn’t apply for the job when it came up in November as I had just left,” admitted Sussex.

“But this seemed like a good option now.”