Banbury United's new manager Kieran Sullivan has announced his intentions from the off - by starting pre-season training a week early.

Sullivan, 38, takes over from Kevin Brock, who resigned after eight years in charge following a row over the budget.

The British Gas Business Southern League club's players were due to return at the start of July, but former skipper Sullivan wants them back earlier.

"I have played in the Southern League for 20-odd years and have an idea of what it takes to be successful.

"The best teams are the fittest and most organised.

"You can have the best players in the world, but if they are not fit and organised then you will come unstuck quite quickly."

Sullivan started his playing career at Banbury in the mid-1980s when Phil Lines was boss, and after spells at Buckingham Town (twice), Worcester City, Racing Club Warwick, Aylesbury and Rugby, Brock brought him back to Banbury in 2000, where he helped them win the Hellenic League title.

"So I've seen it all, the good times and the bad," added Sullivan, who was born and bred in Banbury.

"No disrespect to the Hellenic League, but I don't want to go back there.

"Banbury United need to be playing in the Southern League."

One of his first jobs is to try to persuade the remaining players to stay at the Premier Division outfit.

Jon Gardner, Darren Pond, (both Oxford City), Howard Forinton (Redditch United) and Paul Lamb (Woodford United) have already left.

"Before I considered applying for the job, I rang the players to see if they would be staying.

"I have been in discussions with Andy Baird. I want to try and keep him.

"It's just a case of showing them what my plans are.

"It would be a feather in the cap if he stays, because I am sure the other players would also stay."

Sullivan added: "It had always been his ambition to go into management when my playing days ended.

"It's something I always wanted to do, although this is a bit sooner than expected.

"I want to make the most of it. It's an endorsement of what the club think I can do. I know there was a strong list of candidates."

Sullivan, the son of Banbury director Joe Sullivan, said he was determined to be his own man.

"I have worked for a lot of managers and will take a bit from each one.

"Phil Lines was hugely influential and a lot of my philosophy comes from him. I would like to credit him for my footballing education. He was a good coach and manager.

"Kevin liked to get the ball on the ground and pass it."

Sullivan is not setting any targets for his new charges.

"I don't want to go for the old cliché about finishing fifth from bottom - I just want us to finish as well as we possibly can.

"I want us to be organised, well-drilled and fit. If we can get the preparation right, then we can't have any excuses."

Sullivan has no intention of pulling on his boots again.

"I will sign on in case there is an emergency. But I don't plan to play - I don't think I would do myself justice."