NEW Alvechurch manager Darren Byfield believes the atmosphere at Lye Meadow will be perfect as he looks to implement his brand of attacking football.

The former Aston Villa and Walsall striker was named as the club's new manager following the departure of previous boss Ian Long to Southern League Central rivals Stourbridge.

Byfield left Midland Football League Premier Division side Walsall Wood to take charge at Church.

He led them to a second-place finish last season and only missed out on promotion due to an inferior goal difference to winners Ilkeston Town.

However, the former Redditch United and Stratford Town boss believes Alvechurch will be a good fit as he's given the freedom to build his side.

He said: "I'm really, really excited by the challenge.

"Alvechurch is a great club with a great chairman and that is so important.

"I had that a Walsall Wood and a chairman that let me manage. Walsall's a club with great people and it renewed my faith in non-league football and showed that if you get the right people behind the scenes then you can have success.

"I have that now with Alvechurch and I really believe the environment is right for success.

"I've never doubted myself and my philosophy but you have to have the right people around you at a club. I'm just really looking forward to it.

"It's going to be tough but I love a challenge and it's the challenge that inspires me.

"We know it's going to take time because Ian Long did such a fantastic job. He's a great manager and showed that at Alvechurch.

"I'll now be concentrating on building the best side that I can. It'll take time but it'll be a team that everyone knows will give its all.

"I want to play attacking football. That is all I know and (chairman) Rich Thorndike is exactly the same, so hopefully that bodes well for the future."