New Dalbeattie Star boss Eddie Warwick admits he faces a “massive, massive task” to keep the side in the Lowland League.
The former Queen of the South coach took the reigns after manager Jordan Williamson left in the wake of last Wednesday’s loss to East Kilbride.
And with Star bottom of the league with just one point from 13 games, Warwick knows he faces a huge fight to beat the drop.
He said: “We’re under no illusion as to how difficult it is. It is a massive, massive task to stay in the league with the resources we’ve got available compared to everyone else in the league. There’s arguably more money in the Lowland League than in League Two.
“It’s a mammoth task and it’s a huge job even just to get to grips with everything that’s gone on and change things.
“I have both A licences, I’m on the pro licence waiting list and have 15 or 16 years of senior experience but this is unbelievable. It’s difficult but we’re really looking forward to it.
“It’s a three year contract for a reason, we want to rebuild the club and put in place a proper structure from top to bottom. There’s a lot of aspects – on and off the pitch – that need my attention.”
Warwick had nine years at Queen of the South as a coach – three as reserve team manager and six as a first team coach for managers such as Allan Johnston, Gary Naysmith and Gavin Skelton.
He then spent two years coaching in China before taking on a role at Gretna 2008 earlier this year, moving on to Carlisle United’s youth academy in the summer.
He will be assisted by former Annan and Peterhead player Bryan Gilfillan and Williamson’s former assistant Ross Hyslop, with Charlie Walker taking on a physio’s role.
The new management team’s first game in charge was on Saturday, with Spartans recording a 6-0 win in Edinburgh.
Kevin Waugh headed the home side in front with Blair Henderson doubling the lead before the break.
The same man scored the third early in the second half before going on to complete his hat-trick.
Jamie Dishington added the fifth before Rhys Armstrong completed the scoring late on.
Warwick said: “We met the players in the changing room an hour before the game. We gave the players the benefit of the doubt of not changing anything from the Wednesday as you can’t make wholesale changes when they’ve already had to deal with the setback of losing their manager.
“We tried to keep it as normal for them as possible. It was OK up until half-time, but they just capitulated in the second half. The lack of strength in depth in the squad became really apparent and fitness levels started to dwindle.
“We need to rebuild the squad through time – we don’t want to get rid of everyone but it needs an overhaul.”
Star lost 2-0 at Gala Fairydean Rovers on Tuesday night.
And on Saturday Warwick takes charge at Islecroft for the first time with Berwick Rangers visiting Dalbeattie.
Williamson’s departure was announced following last Wednesday’s defeat.
Star chairman Kenny Murray said: “We had to make a decision that was best for the club and unfortunately it came down to what happened.
“We’ll be giving the same backing to Eddie as we gave Jordan and hopefully he can get us out of the position we’re in.”
