New Tooting & Mitcham boss Mark Beard has set his sights on a Ryman Premier promotion drive next season after taking the reins at Imperial Fields.

Beard, a former player with Sheffield United, Southend United and AFC Wimbledon, was unveiled as Billy Smith’s replacement after a two-week recruitment process.

And the 35-year-old former Heywards Heath boss insists mere survival next season is the furthest thing from his mind.

Beard said: “I have not come here to sit in mid-table.

“Everything I set out to achieve as a player I succeeded in and now I want the same as a manager.

“The one thing I can guarantee is that the players will give 100 per cent every game as that is the minimum I expect.

“I will be looking to put together a team that is fast and quick on the break and is very entertaining.

“At Heywards Heath last season we were the top scorers in the league and I want to bring that mentality to Tooting.”

Despite his relative inexperience at this level, Beard reckons he is the perfect man for the role.

And the Roehampton born star, who was a combative midfielder in his playing days, admitted he had a little help from his friends in claiming the post.

Beard added: “I really did my research on the club and football in the Ryman Premier before my interview and that paid off.

“I have a lot of friends from my playing days who have moved into management - people like Andy Scott at Brentford and Marc Bircham at QPR, and I called all of them for advice.

“That contacts list could also be a big plus for us this season.

“It has been well publicised that the budget has been cut for next season but my view has always been that it is not a budget that wins you a league, but getting in the right players for the right money.

“I will be working hard to bring in a lot of players on loan and work experience from pro clubs to work alongside a core of players that we keep from last season’s squad.”