Carshalton Athletic have named Matt Howard as their new first team manager and he is keen to get cracking.

Howard, who was in charge at Corinthian Casuals last season, hsa been handed the task of masterminding the Robins’ next season in Ryman Division One South after the club finished 20th last time out.

He said: "I think I’m the only manager who wants the season to start tomorrow

“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Casuals, but I feel Carshalton is a big club with huge potential and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”

Howard has worked with academies at Fulham, AFC Wimbledon and Woking while, as a manager, he has led both Casuals and Chessington & Hook United to record points seasons in the past.

“Carshalton has a marvellous youth set-up here, which will offer me a route to fresh talent, but I have also identified three or four other more experienced players I’d like to try and bring in.

“I do believe the current first-team squad is in good shape however and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in due course,” he added.

Howard also said he goes into every new season with the same outlook – improvement on the one before.

“My first thought is always to finish as high as possible but realistically, after finishing 20th last season, I have to consider all angles.

"We’ll go into every game striving to win and let’s see if our desire puts us into first, the play-offs or the top 12.” 

Carshalton’s chairman Paul Dipre added: "Matt has the right background and necessary experience to deliver what this club requires. He has been successful with both young and experienced players alike.

"His base objectives will be to continue help develop our home-grown players while we aim to secure promotion back to the Ryman Premier as soon as possible."

Dipre also revealed installation of the club’s new 3G pitch, a FIFA2-branded surface similar to the one used by Ryman Premier champions Maidstone United, will begin before the end of May.