Jim Ervin says he will "leave no stone unturned" as he attempts to galvanise Ballymena United into a club the fans can be proud of once again.
The Sky Blues face a period of transition following the departure of David Jeffrey and arrival of former club captain Ervin as boss.
It is a massive challenge for the 37-year-old rookie manager, but he hopes to transform the Showgrounds club's fortunes following a disappointing season.
Read more: Rodney McAree says he is 'fortunate' to make Dungannon Swifts return
Ballymena finished ninth last term but did reach the final of the Irish Cup, their third appearance in the showpiece under Jeffrey.
But like the previous two finals, it would end in dejection for the United faithful, and this time they were on the receiving end of a 4-0 defeat to Crusaders.
"When I spoke to Matthew (Armstrong) the chairman, this club is all about the fans. I won't get into silly cliches, but this town is so close-knit and they need a football club they can be proud of," Ervin told Belfast Live.
"Hopefully I can provide that for them. One thing we will do is make sure the fans are proud of their team, with the effort and commitment they see on the pitch.
"Are we going to get it right all the time? No, but we will work our socks off and so will the players.
"We will leave no stone unturned. We are very grateful the club has given us a three-year contract, and seeing the support of the players has been fantastic.
"We need to get the maximum out of everyone, players, staff and supporters. Look at the facilities, it is crying out for the club to go places.
"But the only way we can do that is put in the performances on the pitch."
Ervin has brought in Stefan Seaton as his assistant, while former Linfield teammate Pat McShane has joined the coaching staff alongside chief scout Cliff Ferguson.
What their remit is at Ballymena remains to be seen, and former defender Ervin insists he will keep his own expectations under wraps ahead of what could be a summer rebuild.
He has already indicated the club will have to progress young players at the club, with restricted finances likely to limit their dealings in the transfer market.
"It is a huge football club, and it would be difficult for anyone coming in, regardless of what happened the year before," he added.
"There are always expectations here, and as a staff we have our own expectations. We will keep those expectations to ourselves and try and chip away at them.
"It is huge for every one of us, and it was a big decision. We all love a challenge.
"We are all winers and we will bring that mentality to the squad. We will work hard and every player here will have to work hard.
"With the way we prepare, the players will have to prepare, too. And that means a lot of hard work and effort."
He added: "We have a vision to lift this club, and it will take young players to take us there. Why can't we develop our own young players in the academy, into the 18s, reserves and first team.
"Whether they they move on to full-time clubs in Northern Ireland or go across the water, we have to develop them. Hopefully we don't lose any player to another club here.
"We can then reuse that money and invest it in Ballymena United. For too long we have lost players, for one reason or another, on the cheap to rival clubs in the league.
"And then those clubs benefit when these players move across the water. We want to try and keep that in-house here.
"So we have to give youth a chance, and I believe the backroom team I have will allow us to do that."
READ NEXT:
- Warren Feeney 'jumped at the chance' to become Glentoran's new manager
Rodney McAree says he is 'fortunate' to make Dungannon Swifts return
Northern Ireland coach on verge of record Kenyan Premier League title win
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
