NEW Selby Town boss Phil Jones is more than prepared for the challenge of overseeing a revival in the Northern Counties East League club’s fortunes – both on and off the pitch.

The 48-year-old former Grimsby Town player has been handed the reins after agreeing to leave Boston Town to join the Robins following their relegation from the premier division last season.

Despite Selby having lost six managers in the space of two years and facing severe financial difficulties, Jones believes that stability is the key to the club’s future – and he has secured the backing of the board who have agreed to grant him a year’s tenure in the post.

“I’m pleased to be back at Selby after helping out as a coach here last season,” he said.

“I want to get us out of the downward spiral and overcome this manager ‘curse’. Selby Town needs longevity and stability and the club have learned lessons from past mistakes.”

Jones – who also played in the League of Ireland before completing his FA coaching badges – now plans to turn the club’s focus to the development of young talent as he plots his rebuilding job.

“I want to get young, local kids in and develop them, as well as bring a couple of more experienced past players back. The team needs its confidence back and I plan to create a good vibe around the club that encourages an affinity between the town and the team.”

The new manager is not underestimating the challenge of division one next season, yet plans to grant his youthful signings the license to play with more freedom.

“In the premier division, young players are punished for mistakes and they lose confidence as a result of this,” he said. “I want these kids to not be afraid to make a certain pass and play with more ambition in division one.”

Jones admits he was persuaded to leave free-spending Boston by the chance to build his own side despite Selby’s underdog tag.

“It’s a blank canvas for me here – I have to build from nothing really. It will be difficult this season but after that we should be in a position to make a real challenge to return to the premier division.”

The club have also agreed a deal to take youth team players on loan from Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Grimsby Town to Flaxley Road.

Asked for a message to local fans, Jones was keen to reassure supporters the Robins will put the past behind them when the campaign kicks off.

“The people of Selby should stick with us,” he said. “We’ve had some hard seasons but I can guarantee there will be a marked difference.”

Meanwhile, Graham Hodder, who quit as Robins manager at the end of last season, has been named as the new boss of NCEL division one champions Glasshoughton Welfare.