BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent manager Kem Izzet is looking forward to getting in the swing of things on the training pitch - after recovering from a hip operation.

The Colchester United legend recently went under the surgeon's knife and his mobility will be limited for another few weeks.

He admits it is a blow, given his "hands-on" coaching style, and says the timing is not ideal, having just been unveiled as Regent boss.

However, he does not expect it to be a big problem - partly because of his confidence and trust in assistant boss Pip Boyland.

"At the moment, I'm still a bit fragile on my feet," said the 39-year-old, who took charge for the first time in Saturday's 3-0 BetVictor Isthmian League premier division defeat at Worthing.

"I've only just started walking without crutches so to start with, coaching is going to be difficult.

"Initially, I'm not going to be able to do demonstrations or things exactly as I'd like.

"I'm a manager but I'm also a coach and I'm very hands-on.

"I want to be involved in everything because there's a certain way I want things done.

"For a few weeks, I'm going to have to grin and bear it and really rely on Pip.

"But according to my physio, I'm far ahead of where I should be.

"That's given me a bit more confidence and I reckon in another three weeks I'll be where I want to be."

Former Stanway Rovers boss Izzet is delighted to be back in management, having recently been first-team coach at East Thurrock United.

He admits he had become slightly disillusioned after missing out on other positions.

"I applied for a few jobs and didn't even get interviews," he said.

"I thought 'what am I doing? Am I missing something?'

"I wondered what I had to do just to speak to someone.

"It's not like I've only got a professional background and don't know what I'm doing in non-league.

"I've played numerous games at both levels so knew it couldn't be down to experience.

"I was getting a little disillusioned and beginning to think 'maybe I'm not meant to be a manager'.

"Then all of a sudden this opportunity presented itself.

"When I first spoke to the chairman he said he already had a shortlist and I thought 'here we go again'.

"But, thankfully, he invited me over and we had a long chat last Sunday.

"Then the next day I found out I'd got the job and I thought 'thank goodness'.

"I always knew that if I could speak to someone, they'd see my passion.

"Hopefully they'd also understand the knowledge I've got.

"Thankfully, Terry's been brilliant and given me a chance.

"Now it's down to me and my staff to make sure we do the job."

Izzet’s reign as manager kicked-off with a 3-0 defeat on the Sussex coast.

The R’s were hoping to put some much-needed points on the board, starting the day one place and one point above the drop zone.

However, they conceded goals in either half – both scored by Marvin Armstrong – in the 17th and 46th minutes.

Callum Kealy then added the hosts’ third three minutes from time.

Regent handed a full debut to Diogo Freitas-Gouveia, who has joined on a 28-day work experience loan deal from Colchester United.

Fellow U’s youngster Jake Hutchinson was on the bench, as was the club’s other new recruit, Warren Thomas.

Brightlingsea had been due to visit Potters Bar Town tomorrow.

However, the match will have to be rescheduled as Potters Bar now have an FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay at neighbours Barnet.