Bradley Quinton knows he has work ahead, but can’t wait to start after being named as Braintree Town's new manager.

The club's record appearance holder as a player will now lead them from the dugout after being appointed following the departure of Hakan Hayrettin two weeks ago.

He will be assisted by another well-known former Iron player, Andy Porter.

Quinton has been manager at Ryman League premier division club Enfield Town for the past three seasons and led them to the play-offs this year, but knows he has work ahead after the Iron’s relegation from the National League.

But there will be little need for an introduction to the Braintree fans, as their new boss spent 12 successful seasons at Cressing Road.

He finished his Iron career as the club's record appearance holder with 546 competitive appearances under his belt and scored 69 goals.

During that successful playing career, Quinton was an integral part of the Braintree team that won the Conference South title in 2011 – the level the club now find themselves at again - and he is well aware of the job that lies ahead.

Quinton said: "I'm really looking forward to coming back to a club where I played for most of my career.

“I'm really enjoying management and it feels right to come back to a club where I spent so many enjoyable years.

“Both Andy Porter and I are looking forward to seeing many familiar faces.

“We've got a lot of work ahead of all of us, but it's a league I know well, have won as a player, and I'm looking forward to the season.

“To the supporters, so many of whom have become close friends over the past 15 years, your support and patience will be vital as there's a long journey ahead of us.

“I'll be looking to bring in good quality young players that will be fit, hungry and 100 per cent committed.

“Things won't always go our way, that's football, but everyone in the dressing room will be entirely focused on bringing success, so it's important that everyone gets behind us."

As well as winning the Conference South in 2011, Quinton also enjoyed success with helping the club to a Ryman League championship and a Conference South play-off final.

Chairman Lee Harding is delighted with the appointment.

He said: "We've had some excellent applicants and I must thank all for their interest in our club.

“But Brad is someone that has been instrumental in building our club from the foot of the Ryman League to the top tier of non-League football from 2002 to 2013.

“But while I'm sure we will all welcome a true Iron back to our club, his appointment is based entirely on merit.

“Were it not for coming across the same Dulwich side that beat us in the FA Trophy last season in his play-off match, Brad could well have taken his Enfield side into our division.

“His desire and enthusiasm for our club is infectious and I sense that this move is something of a home-coming for him.

“But realism at the IronmongeryDirect Stadium dictates that we must not gloss over the challenges that lie ahead of us.

“The majority of last season's relegated side have been released and another re-building process will begin afresh.

“Fortunately Brad has been an integral part of many successful Braintree sides and knows exactly what is needed to turn our fortunes around after two disruptive campaigns.

“From the boardroom, Brad will receive our support and patience.

“We are not expecting, or looking for, a one-season wonder - but a return to the successful formula that brought consistent success to the Club over many years.

“We are all looking forward to the journey."
Porter, who has worked with Quinton at Enfield as his assistant, was also an important part of the successful Braintree sides that the new manager played in, playing nearly 200 games for the club between 2003 and 2009.

The duo return after spending the past three years managing Ryman League premier division side Enfield, where they guided the North London side to the Ryman League play-offs last season.