Vanarama Premier outfit Braintree Town have appointed Concord Rangers manager Danny Cowley as their new boss.

Iron have been looking for a new manager since Alan Devonshire left earlier this month.

Cowley, whose family come from Braintree, spent a successful eight years at Concord, taking them from step five to step two and enjoying a remarkable three promotions in eight years, plus a notable Essex Senior Cup Final success over Braintree 12 months ago.

The 36-year-old, who guided Concord to the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first-ever time, earlier this season, said: “It’s a great opportunity for me, one that I think I fully deserve and will mean that I have now managed at every step in the pyramid.

“I think it’s a fantastic job and wouldn’t have taken it if I didn’t believe that I could take the club forward, especially after the progress made over the last four years.

“I’ve always been a winner, but it’s not going to be an easy challenge. That said, it’s one that inspires me to ensure that we all do everything in our power to make it a success. I’m really looking forward to it.”

He added: “Concord means everything to me and I leave with a heavy heart.

“But not many managers get to leave on a high, and that is what I am doing.

“I just feel this is the right time for me to move on.

“I think I have been loyal to Concord but now I need to think about my own ambitions.

“I could not turn down this opportunity to test myself as a young manager.”

Iron chairman Lee Harding added: “I’ve been really pleased with the calibre of applicants for the job and thank them all, but Danny has really impressed us.

“I have been aware of his progress over recent years, have enjoyed hearing his views on the game and his desire to bring success to our club.

“The next few years will be pivotal in our history and I am confident that Danny will take us forward and be part of an exciting future.”

Braintree finished the campaign in 16th spot in their fourth successive Premier Division campaign, while Concord ended their Vanarama South campaign just outside the play-off positions.