NEW Linnets boss Darren Curtis believes he can build a strong team at Fawcett’s Field after landing his first job in football management.

The experienced centre-half was announced as Glenn Burnett’s successor shortly after his New Milton Town departure.

Curtis served as club captain as Milton completed a miraculous escape to avoid relegation from the Wessex Premier last season.

The 31-year-old, from Shirley in Southampton, boasts an impressive playing pedigree having been a trainee at Fulham during Kevin Keegan’s reign at Craven Cottage.

Since then, Curtis has spent time on the non-league circuit at clubs including Salisbury City, AFC Totton, Bashley, Romsey and Wimborne Town.

He made six Wessex appearances for Blackfield & Langley at the start of last season before being reunited with his old Romsey boss Burnett.

Curtis says he will take examples set by Burnett and former Wimborne duo Alex Browne and Darren Powell, but he insists he will manage in his own style.

Curtis said: “I am very excited about taking the job on.

“I have just started my own sports coaching company, Team Spirit, so I was going to hang up my boots anyway because I can’t go into schools coaching with a black eye or a broken leg.

“I had been thinking about management for some time. It inspires me.

“For motivation, Glenn Burnett is probably the best manager I have played under. But as a tactician and someone who gives you the confidence to go out and play football, it had to be Alex Browne and his assistant Darren Powell down at Wimborne.

“I have been in dressing rooms around this area for a long time, going back to when I was an 18-year-old whippersnapper at Salisbury.

“I have got plenty of players I want to talk to and I coach every day and have an FA Level Two qualification. I feel I can do this job and build a good, organised side.”