NEW boss Dave King says work has already started to build a squad of young, talented footballers at Tividale.

Tivi have appointed the former Stourbridge youth team coach as first team manager as they look to rebuild following relegation from the Northern Premier League Division One South last term.

King has now been charged with leading a new approach at the Beeches that will focus on the development of youth players.

He said: “I’ve already spoken to a lot of people about joining us next season. I have a lot of contacts and am starting to put the squad together already.

“There is now a change of ethos at Tividale. They want to build a squad of young and talented footballers, which suits me just fine.

“We don’t have a big budget but I think we can get the right blend of players in.

“My links with Stourbridge will always be strong and I will look to some of the players I have coached in the past. The response I have had over the last few days has also been brilliant. Players have come out of the woodwork to asked if I need anyone.

“I know I need a few experienced heads as well and think we may keep four or five players from last season.”

The new boss at The Beeches has an impressive record leading his former Stour youngsters to four league titles, seven county cups and one league cup and completed the treble three times and he has also seen a number of his players go into professional football.

Before that he led Lye Town to the West Midland Regional League Premiership title.

“I have been thinking about leaving Stourbridge for the last 12 months and this job came along at the right time,” he added. “I felt I’d achieved everything I could at Stourbridge. I won almost everything and need a new challenge and venture.”

King also admitted that it was frustrating at times at Stour as his youngster found it hard to break through to this first team, but understands the reasons.

“Stourbridge are challenging for promotion and it is hard to give youngsters the game time they need. It’s frustrating but also understandable. Overall, my time at Stourbridge has been brilliant and my links with the club will always be strong.”

King will be joined at Tividale by fellow Glassboys’ youth coach Steve Fellows and Dave Hayward, who will help with recruitment. Two more backroom appointments will be made soon.

Football general manager at Tivi, Leon Murray, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Dave to the club. It has been a long drawn out journey to reach this conclusion. It has not only been a managerial search but how as a club we will be structured going forward.

“It has been no secret we want to consolidate at this level and build for the future by developing youngsters.”