Sean Kay has been appointed as the new manager of Maltby Main and has admitted: "It is a big challenge."

The 48-year-old brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to Muglet Lane after being recommended for the job by Wilf Race, who has stepped down to take a back-seat role.

Sheffield-born Kay will need to tap into every ounce of his footballing know-how as he looks to help Main compete against more affluent rivals in the top flight of the Northern Counties League.

"It's a big challenge here but it is one that I am looking forward to," said Kay.

"I'm well aware of the difficulties Wilf Race has faced here because I know him well from my playing days and time as neighbours in Conisbrough.

"Wilf did very well but he'd grown tired of pulling rabbits out of hats and wanted to take a more low-key role.

"He got in contact and asked me if I'd be interested in the job and I said yes."

Kay, who lives in Greasbrough, was handed the manager's job by the Maltby committee last Friday and wasted no time in bolstering his squad for next season.

No fewer than five young players - many with professional club experience - are set to sign up.

"The other people I'm bringing in have not played Northern Counties football but they are all keen, young players in their early 20s with reserves experience at professional clubs."

Kay's CV is impressive. A former junior player with Sheffield United, he pursued his studies after leaving Bramall Lane but played amateur football to a good level with Heanor, Retford, Spalding, Winterton Rangers, Stocksbridge Park and Sutton, where he had three spells.

After hanging up his boots, he spent two years coaching at Rotherharn United alongside Billy Russell and then Alan Knill before a successful spell in junior football.

Now back in the senior ranks, Kay is not daunted by taking over a Maltby team which missed relegation by one place, albeit by a clear 8 points last season.

"As well as the new signings we've mentioned, I've hopefully got two or three other players coming over to us from Sheffield.

"Our aim is to do better than just avoiding relegation," he added.