CHAIRMAN Tom Herbert has been searching for the right manager to restore Bromsgrove Rovers back to the club's former glory and this time he's confident that manager Rod Brown is the right man for the job.

With the 2006/2007 season weeks away from starting the club is gearing up for one of its most crucial campaigns in years. Mr Herbert spoke exclusively to the Advertiser/Messenger about his hopes for the new season.

The chairman threw his weight behind Brown, who took over the hot seat at the Victoria Ground in January.

He said: "I think I've got the right man for the job this time. Rod's helped take the club to a new level of professionalism.

"He knows the local football scene, which is great for bringing the right players in, he's enthusiastic and a top quality coach.

"I'm very happy with the players he's signed. They've played at a higher level and are very experienced. I went to see the team train and was very impressed as all of the players are enjoying it thoroughly."

Last season's giant killing journey to the Southern League Cup final helped draw the sting of the club's disappointing campaign in the Division One West, where they never looked like winning promotion.

Mr Herbert admitted: "Last season was the worst I'd had at the club. We had grand plans but things didn't work out as I had wanted."

"Perhaps the players weren't as well prepared for games as they should have been but that's all in the past now.

"My highlight last season was getting Rod in and reaching the final of the League Cup. Since Rod joined he's done everything he possibly could do to make this club a success."

"The run to the league cup final was great. We took on some good teams and did really well to get there."

With Rovers facing at least nine derbies in the new Midlands Division next season promotion is set to be earned the hard way.

"I think Evesham, Brackley and Chasetown will be our main rivals because they are spending a lot of money on players," added Mr Herbert.

"But you can't sustain success on small attendances and we're trying to do things right here at Rovers.

"We have a lot going on at the club and I am confident it's going to be a very exciting season on and off the pitch", he continued.

Rovers' supremo also sympathised with fans who endured the first team's poor home form in the league, where the team lost nine games.

He said: "We lost nine games at home last season and that's disastrous. I don't blame the fans for being unhappy with us because they didn't have a lot to cheer about at the Victoria Ground. The fans weren't happy and it really affected the atmosphere.

"Hopefully a good start to the season will wash away the bad memories of last season.

"What's important now is that the fans put behind all the events of last season and come together to support the club and focus on making sure that we have a great campaign this time."