Graham Roberts, former Tottenham player and now manager of Carshalton Athletic, says the chance to get back into football management was too good to turn down.

Roberts, who guided Boreham Wood to promotion from Ryman League Division One last season, added: "I first knew about Carshalton's interest in me on Monday evening.

"I had a meeting with the chairman and he underlined what he wanted for the club which is the best.

"The club has good ideas. I listened to what they had to say and decided to give it a go."

As a player Roberts had a reputation as a tough-tackling, no nonsense midfielder a trait he has carried over into the world of non-league football management.

His credentials will be tested tomorrow when he leads the Robins out at Oxford City for in first game as boss.

Success

A victory for Roberts could signal a repeat of his succes last season, when a late run brought the Division One title to his former club.

Roberts said: "My ambition is to help the Robins gain promotion we are only 11 points behind.

"Last February, when I was with Boreham Wood, we were 21 points behind the top team and still went on to win the title.

"There are 22 games left this season and to win the league we have to win a minimun of 15 of them.

"If we can string together a run of 10 wins then who knows. But that is my aim as manager."

Roberts took charge of his first training session on Tuesday night and says he will give the squad a chance to prove themselves before deciding whether to make changes.

He added: "I had a meeting with the players on Tuesday night and they all seemed up for what I wanted to do.

"I am a nice guy, but also a winner.

"I want my players to give 120 per cent to the cause because I want to win trophies.

"The fans have also been good to me.

"I saw a few of them on Tuesday night and I hope they will get behind the team and the players."

December 14, 2001 15:00