Mark Hams feels he is finally ready to branch out on his own after being named the new manager of Walton Casuals.

The 36-year-old was unveiled on Wednesday, three weeks after stepping down as Alan Dowson's assistant at Kingstonian and takes senior management reins for the first time in his career.

After six years at Ks, he had wanted to spend more time working on the club's academy but felt he could not turn down the opportunity when Casuals came knocking.

"It is my local club and only half a mile from my house. What more could a boy ask?" said Hams, who will continue his work at the academy.

"I am 36 and to be offered a number one role is too much to turn down.

"People have been kind with their words over the years, saying I must be ready to go on my own but I haven't been for a long time. There is so much to learn.

"But when I took over for a few games at Kingstonian 18 months ago when Alan fell ill, although I was lucky enough to have a ready made team to be in charge of, it was then that I began to feel I was ready.

"I have learned some more since then and now I definitely feel I am ready."

Hams faces a big rebuilding job at Casuals, who finished bottom of Ryman Division One South last season and were only saved from relegation because no teams were promoted from the Wessex League and Western League.

And he is being realistic with his ambitions.

"In the meeting I had with Walton Casuals, they asked me what I thought I could achieve here," added Hams.

"I said I had to throw the question back at them and I would achieve what they wanted. They finished bottom this season so if they wanted to finish third bottom then I will do that for them.

"They are very realistic and know we are unlikely to challenge at the top and that even the play-offs are probably out of reach.

"But mid table to top 10 is achievable and I would like to think with my contacts I could get the right players down here.

"I have already been in touch with the lads that played for Casuals last season and said if they want to come back and have a crack at it I will happily have them here, I am not ruling anybody out.

"But I have also said I will be coming in with a new bunch of lads who will be in the same scenario, inviting them down to have a crack and see what happens."