NEW boss Steve Peters says he will be working through the summer to help take Cinderford Town to the next level.
Peters (pictured inset) was assistant manager to Paul Weeks at The Causeway last term, but has now taken on the top job following Weeks's decision to step down.
The former Southampton, Torquay United and Bristol Rovers midfielder – who had a brief spell as a Cinderford player under John Murphy when he was 19 – said: "I want to build on what Paul has already done. Paul didn't want to leave the club and he's upset that he had to.
"However, with his work and family commitments he had no choice.
"From a selfish point of view I want to progress the team. There's no doubt we were better than our final position but we have a lot of players in their early 20s and we were naive at times.
"I won't scream and shout at players who make mistakes, but I won't accept players hiding."
Peters holds a UEFA B coaching badge and is keen to put it to good use. He says he has spoken to most of last year's squad and believes the majority want to stay. He said: "I want to play a fast tempo game with wingers and I want to coach the boys.
"Pre-season is very important to work on systems. Our home record is good but we need to look at how we play away."
On Saturday night, Cinderford Town held their end of season presentation evening where Dale Evans received the management's player of the year award.
Defender Warren Archer was named players' player of the year, with Lewis Sommers getting the supporters' award.
Peters said: "Dale is an honest footballer who always gives everything and Warren is very similar.
"Lewis knows himself that he needs to get fitter and that is something I will be working on with him in pre-season."