PURTON’S new manager Justin Miller has set his sights on winning Hellenic League Division One West in his first year in charge.

The 37-year-old took over the reins from Chris Pethick, who stood down after a decade in charge, at the Red House club.

And although this will be his first taste of management, the former Swindon Supermarine and Oxford City player has lofty ambitions.

“My aim is to win it,” Miller told the Advertiser. “There is no point otherwise.

“The club have been up there for the last five years and if I can keep the majority of last season’s squad, make sure that they are available every week and add two or three quality players there is no reason why we can’t challenge.”

While Miller is setting out in his first managerial role, he hopes his experience of having played at higher level will help him thrive.

“I’ve played at Highworth (Town), (Swindon) Supermarine, Ciren(cester) Town, Oxford City and North Leigh so you could say that I’ve been around,” said Miller, who is returning the club having played for Purton at the start of the decade.

“I’m really excited by the challenge. It is something that I’ve been thinking about for a while.

“It is something that I’ve been wanting to do, you always wonder if you’ll regret not moving into management so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Miller was set to meet with his assistants Dave Gee and Nick McCrae last night as they begin planning for next season.

“Dave and Nick will be taking the majority of the training sessions,” Miller said. “I’ll be looking what type training we’ll be doing and the style we play.

“I know this is my first job, but having been a player for so long I hope I come across as someone who knows what they are doing.”