PAUL Smith has said he can’t wait to get started as manager at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Smith replaces Adrian Mander in the Victoria Ground hot-seat after a swift search by the club.

Smith joins from Bromsgrove’s Midland Football League Division One rivals Studley, after the Bees gave him permission to speak with Sporting following an official approach.

He was one of five candidates interviewed and for chairman John Teece, the new man ticked all the boxes.

Smith said: “I must give my thanks to Studley, they have been absolutely brilliant and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club.

“The president Dave Robinson and chairman Barry Cromwell have been first class and I will do everything I can to make my transition as smooth as possible.

“If you look at the set-up and the fan base I don’t think there is a bigger club at this level or the one above and I am excited about the prospect of managing them.

“I know that the club lost a few players when the previous manager departed so I will be looking to use my contacts and strengthen.

“It’s important to make Sporting a strong and competitive team first and foremost.

“Sporting have played only four games yet so anything is still possible. At the moment the league is very open. I intend for us to be competing with the best.”

Smith is set to bring assistant Martyn Sockett and coach Nick Smith with him, although one of the pair is set to stay on at Studley to help out with their Bank Holiday weekend clashes.

Sporting’s new manager is also keen to bring in several players from his former club.

Meanwhile, caretaker pair Les Palmer and Ross Collins tendered their resignations after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bewdley Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

“I built a very strong team at Studley so I will be looking to go back there for several players but I stress everything will be done properly — that’s the only way to do it,” added Smith.

Sporting's John Teece said: “I am looking forward to working with Paul. I have spoken to several players who know him and they speak very highly of him.”

Smith faces a baptism of fire on Saturday at title rivals AFC Hinckley, followed by a trip to Pilkington XXX on Bank Holiday Monday (both 3pm kick-offs).