New boss Ian Edge is determined to turn Huntingdon Town into champions.

Peterborough-based Edge has been handed the Jubilee Park reins following the exit of Seb Hayes last week – a man who introduced him to the club in the final days of his own reign.

And he has wasted no time in setting an ambitious target in his first senior managerial role as he hopes to land the United Counties League Premier Division title next season.

Edge said: “I was initially coming into the club as Seb’s number two, but things have changed quickly and I’m very pleased to have been given the manager’s job.

“It is a great opportunity for me in the UCL Premier Division and one I am determined to take.

“I have been involved during the last three games so I know a bit about the players I am inheriting.

“They will either love me or hate me and I’m sure some will probably move on, but I’ve already got plenty of feelers out and will be looking to make use of the contacts I have in the game.

“I am an ambitious man and I want to challenge for the title next season. That will obviously depend on getting the players to buy into my ethos.

“I want lads with ambition that matches mine and if they are local then so much the better.

“I am not about to get mugged off by any players.

“The club won their first nine league games this season and the chairman has made no secret of the fact he is looking for a good finish in the table.”

Town chiefs initially revealed in the Hunts Post last week that reserve boss Clive Hiscock would be promoted into the first-team role.

But it is understood Hiscock was not in a position to commit to the post and will continue at the helm of the second string with Edge assuming control of the first team.

The 36-year-old Edge had spells at Peterborough and Doncaster as a youngster before going on to enjoy a lengthy playing career in the non-league game.

St Neots feature on his list of previous clubs along with Northern Premier Division sides Frickley and Emley.

Edge has previously held coaching positions at Peterborough Sports and Sileby Rangers – the club he will face in his first game at the Huntingdon helm at Jubilee Park this Saturday.

He added: “I’ve played under some very good managers in my time – people like Steve Lomas at St Neots and Kevin Wilson at Bedford Town – and I’ve learned a lot.

“As a player you are always out to get as much as you can for yourself, but now as a manager it is all about saving money and making your budget stretch as far as you possibly can.”

Town drew 2-2 at Harrowby in Hayes’ final match in charge last Tuesday when Chris Jones and Charley Sanders were on target.

They then saw their trip to bottom side Long Buckby last weekend postponed.

Edge is keen to draft in an assistant manager. Anyone interested in the position can contact him on 07933 506206.