IAIN Parr says his appointment as manager of St Neots Town is ‘a little bit humbling’.

The 44-year-old former Saints player and coach was named as Dennis Greene’s full-time successor on Monday after taking two weeks of pre-season training at Rowley Park.

He is the surprise choice after chairman Mike Kearns revealed there had been 72 applications and 10 candidates had been interviewed.

“I’m over the moon and overwhelmed,” Parr said. “I was a little bit in shock when I was asked in for the chat.

“I was under the impression it was going to be a long process but when I was asked to apply I thought I might have a reasonable chance of getting the job.”

Parr, who holds both UEFA B and A coaching licences, has left his role as under-14s coach at Peterborough United and will juggle the St Neots job with his own business.

“I talked things through with Peterborough when I came in as interim manager,” said Parr. “They saw it was a good opportunity and gave me some time off.

“Now I will commit 100 per cent to St Neots – but there will be a link with Peterborough and that should be beneficial.”

Parr was quick to praise the work of his predecessor Greene, the man who led the club to two successive promotions before sensationally quitting on June 29.

The following week Greene told The Hunts Post that he regretted the move and was hopeful of a return.

But the chairman insisted the manager’s resignation signalled a new era.

So far, the club has not signed a player during the break – but has lost four of last season’s mainstays – Lewis Webb, Shane Tolley, Jordan Gent and Junior Konadu.

But with the first pre-season friendly – which they lost 3-2 at home to Concord Rangers – played on last night (Tuesday), and with the fixtures released by the league on Wednesday, time is closing in on the big kick-off.

But there will be a new focus on youth development as it begins its new life in the Premier Division of the Southern League.

“The club is at the highest level it has ever played at and I must admit I did have to give it a little bit of thought – but it will be a smooth transition and there will be no need to make that many changes after the fantastic job that Dennis Greene did,” said Parr. “It if ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

“I have complete faith in what I do. I was a little apprehensive in the first instance because I was only at the club to help sort of the youth team structure – but once the cones were out and the lads were training, and the banter was happening, the lack of a figurehead became less important. The reaction of the players has been great.

“This is a fantastic opportunity – and it’s great to come into a club on such a high rather than one of its bottom which is usually the case when a new manager is appointed.

“I played with St Neots when I was a little boy and to get this opportunity is a little bit humbling.”

Andy Davies and Steve Kuhney will be Parr’s assistants, and prolific striker Stefan Moore has been named club captain. Midfielder Dan Jacob – who Greene was intending to use as a striker this season – has been made vice captain.