New Stanway Rovers manager Kem Izzet wants to give youth a chance, after taking over the hotseat at the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division club.

The 36-year-old left Needham Market after winning the Suffolk Premier Cup and will replace another former Colchester United legend, Karl Duguid, who will remain as his assistant.

Izzet played over 400 games for Colchester in the Football League before enjoying a successful spell in the Ryman divisions with the Marketmen, but is very much in the novice stages of his managerial career.

Despite that, the ex-Charlton trainee is clear in his mind about the way forward at The Hawthorns, even though he knows things won’t always run smoothly.

“Andy Partner (Stanway Rovers youth chairman) has done a fantastic job but for too long the club have not utilised it (youth system),” said Izzet.

“Not every player will be ready for the first-team, but some will be given a chance which will hopefully help me save a bit of the budget.

“I want young players who are hungry, fit and want to listen and learn and get better.

“There obviously won’t be 11 youngsters in the team and there will be a spine of older players, but I want to bring some young talent through.”

Izzet, who will retain his playing registration, was all set to take over as the club’s under-18s manager, with Duguid leading the senior team, before the latter announced he would not be carrying on with the job.

After speaking to the club’s board Izzet, who has lofty ambitions, was offered the job.

“I want to win the league but you have to be realistic,” he added.

“I want to be competitive and in our first season I would like us to finish in the top-four, that would be fantastic for us.

“From a personal point-of-view, I would like to get them promoted over the next couple of years, hopefully we can go up together, but I want to climb as high as possible.”

Stanway finished sixth in the division last season, but fulfil the criteria to be promoted.

“It’s going to be tough and I am not sure I know all the players at this level, but I am excited about the challenge and all I want from my players in 100 per cent effort and commitment,” Izzet said.