NEW Brightlingsea Regent manager Kem Izzet has described his appointment as a "perfect pick-me-up" to reignite his passion for football.

The Colchester United legend was unveiled on Tuesday night and has vowed to do everything in his power to bring success to the BetVictor Isthmian League club.

Regent are one place and one point above the premier division drop zone and have been looking for a new manager since Tom Rothery's decision to resign in late September.

Izzet, 39, had previously been first-team coach at East Thurrock United but quit that role in order to take the reins at the Taydal Stadium.

“I’m very pleased and excited," he said.

“As much as I’ve loved my time at East Thurrock, I found myself falling out of love with football a bit.

“I wasn’t getting the buzz or enjoyment I used to get.

“But this has been the perfect pick-me-up and I’m ready to go again.

“I’m really looking forward to getting into the job.

“It’s a great opportunity and the most important thing was the ambition of the club.

“Another big attraction is that there’s already a clear pathway between the first team, reserves and academy.

“It’s a perfect scenario."

Izzet is well-known by Colchester fans, having made more than 400 appearances – many as skipper – between 2001 and 2013.

He was granted a testimonial by the club, twice named young player-of-the-year and inducted into the U’s hall of fame in 2011.

His finest hour was helping Colchester secure promotion to the Championship as League One runners-up in 2006.

After leaving the club, he spent three years at Needham Market, where he combined his playing duties with being heavily involved with the club’s Academy set-up.

He also managed Stanway Rovers from May 2017 until June 2018, guiding the club to an eight-place finish in the Thurlow Nunn League, alongside assistant Karl Duguid.

“I’ve learnt a lot from my time in non-league football – some good and some bad – and I knew I wanted to work at this level," said Izzet.

“I know it’s going to be a challenge.

"I’m not under any illusions but one thing I’ve always backed myself on is my ability to coach players.

“Players need to have the right work-ethic but after that, I feel I can improve them and get the best out of them.

“They’ll only play if they’re ready, though.

“Yes, I’m here to improve players but ultimately I need to win games of football.

“It might take some time and not happen straight away but I’ll certainly try my hardest."

Izzet kicks-off with back-to-back away matches, with Saturday’s trip to Worthing followed by a match at Potters Bar Town on Tuesday.

His first home match will be the FA Trophy first qualifying round tie against Royston Town, on October 26.

Pip Boyland will continue in his role as assistant boss while Alan Wright (kitman) and John Albon (goalkeeping coach) will also remain as part of the management team at the Taydal Stadium.