NEW boss Stewart Kearn believes the ability to focus on football matters will help him to achieve his top-eight target at Hamworthy United.

Kearn, assistant to predecessor Graham Kemp, today took over the County Ground hot seat with trusty first-team coach John Macey named as his right-hand man.

Chairman Mark Bartlett immediately tasked his appointment with guiding Hammers to the upper echelons of the Wessex League, despite Kemp's sudden departure to Dorchester Town eight days ago.

Respected goalkeeper Kearn endured a testing time as joint-boss of beleaguered Bashley at the start of last season before linking up with Kemp at United in November.

But despite his ill-fated stint as a number one in the New Forest, Kearn insists the off-field stability at Hamworthy holds the key to realising the club's ambitions.

Kearn told the Daily Echo: “When I took on the Bashley job the club was in a period of transition. We felt like we were rebuilding everything rather than just the team but I learned a lot, good and bad.

“At Hamworthy there is a solid backbone. We have an active, professional committee and steady finances which allows you to get on with matters on the pitch. It's a great opportunity.

“We have a good squad and with a couple of additions there is no reason why we can't do well. We have had a mixed start but once we get that belief back I think a top-eight finish is a realistic target, without a shadow of doubt.”

One of Kearn's first missions will be to retain the bulk of Hamworthy's squad with midfielder Micky Hubbard and winger Tom Price seemingly set for the exit and defender Dan Haysom signing for league rivals Christchurch.

Kearn, who said he hoped to sign an unnamed defensive player in time for Saturday's home match with Andover Town (3pm), added: “We will be looking to strengthen in the coming weeks.

“It seems one or two players will be moving on so I need to look at the finances and see what we have left in the pot once everything settles down.”

On the appointment, Bartlett said: “Stewart came over really well in the interview and we were very impressed.

“His experience of playing at a higher level along with a good knowledge of the Wessex League was clear and the established relationship with John Macey was a big consideration.

“The club liked the idea of maintaining that continuity.

“Our ambitions remain the same. We have gone slightly off track but the club has the basis of a strong squad and would like to be in the top eight.

“Anything beyond that depends on circumstances but we believe we should reach our target whatever happens.”

Hammers: (from) Ackerman, Penny, Cole, Legg, Donachy, Walker, Blackburn, Allen, Martin, Swann, Warren, Cook, Osborne, Hester.