Perrin shocked by job offer (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Perrin shocked by job offer

5:10pm Tuesday 5th June 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

EX-CHIPPENHAM Town manager Darren Perrin says he will have no problems adapting to life as an assistant.

He was appointed Frank Gregan's number two at Mangotsfield United this morning after five months out of football following his dismissal from Hardenhuish Park.

"Whatever Frank wants me to do, I will do to the best of my abilities," he said.

"He is the manager and whatever he says is best, I'll be there to do my job and help him."

Gregan brought Perrin to Forest Green Rovers from Melksham Town as chief scout and youth team manager in 2000.

The former Bluebird had been linked to the manager's job but insisted he was surprised when the former Western-super-Mare boss rang him this morning.

"I was quite shocked when he asked me," said Perrin, 38. "It is nice to be involved again and I am looking forward to working with one of the most successful local managers.

"If I felt there was a Western League club which was suitable, I would have been interested but I am happy to be back at this level.

"You never know what is around the corner in football, I know that better than most."

Mangotsfield, who play in the Southern League Premier Division with Chippenham, had been looking for a new management team since Lee Howells resigned at the end of the season.

They finished ninth in the division, 11 points off the play offs, but Perrin believes the Cossham Street outfit can challenge next season.

"I didn't just want to go in to any old job, I wanted to go to a club with ambitions," he said.

"We are under no illusions how tough it will be but we have got the support of everyone at Mangotsfield."