NEW Dudley Town boss Andy Burgess says he is determined to give the club its identity back.

Burgess, who joined the Robins as assistant earlier in the summer, was named manager at the weekend following Neil Perks’ decision to stand down for personal reasons.

The former Bilston Town boss becomes the club’s fourth manager in just over a year and has vowed to bring an end to the frequent upheaval, which saw the Robins use almost 90 different players last term.

Burgess has moved quick;y to bring in former Robins and Tividale man Dave Smith as his assistant and believes stability is crucial if the club is to move forward.

He said: “Dudley have seen quite an upheaval over the past year with managers and players coming and going.

“We want to pull a squad together and make the side recognisable again. We want players who are committed to playing for Dudley Town with the right type of character.

“We don’t need a major rebuild. There are some good young players at the club and we need to bring in a few experienced players to supplement them.

“Having Dave Smith here is a huge boost for us, he has some good contacts and is well respected across the league. The players are really excited about his coaching.

“We are under no illusions. The club finished last year in 13th place and you are not going to go straight from there to challenging for the league.

“We have to take it one step at a time.”

Burgess has confirmed striker Dreniz Bala will return next season, while Richard Langford is set to join from Boldmere St Michaels.

Former Cradley Town keeper Mark Garvey is another potential signing.

Meanwhile, Perks confirmed he has decided to retire from football management indefinitely.

He was named Robins boss in January after succeeding Steve Hinks but revealed he had been suffering from ill health in recent months.

He said: “I have been in hospital a couple of times and it’s a bit too much for me to carry on.

“I have been involved in football management for ten years now and I had to make a decision which was right for me.

“I’m proud to have been associated with Dudley Town and still am.”