DAVE Busst takes charge of Evesham United for the first time at fellow Western Division strugglers Yate Town on Saturday and he is expecting a "scrap", writes Mervyn Collins.
"I saw them at Bromsgrove last weekend and they are a big and physical side," the newly installed Common Road chief admitted.
"However, I would much rather be playing them than one of the top sides and that's no disrespect to Yate who I know will also fancy their chances of picking up the points."
The Gloucestershire outfit lost 3-2 last Saturday and currently lie next to bottom of the table but just two points adrift of the Robins.
A win could lift United several places up the ladder, while also lifting spirits at the club.
"A win would be a nice start for me and would make for a happier squad but the spirit appears fine at present and that's partly down to Westy," Busst declared.
The 36-year-old former Solihull manager was handed the job of lifting the Robins up the table last Thursday and he is delighted to be back in the managerial hot seat.
"There haven't been a lot of jobs about - no one was getting the sack - and I was keen to get back after leaving Solihull during the summer," Busst admitted.
"My dad was manager about ten years ago and I spoke with him and he enjoyed his time there and I was delighted to accept the post."
Chairman Jim Cockerton said: "Dave was our first choice and the unanimous choice of the committee. He knows the league and has a lot of contacts locally and I have every confidence that he can lift the club out of the doldrums."
Financial restraints led to Busst, whose professional career at Coventry City was ended when he suffered a horrific injury at Old Trafford in 1996, leaving Damson Park.
And, Phil Mullen's replacement knows that money will also be tight at Common Road.
"I will try to bring in a couple of loan players for this weekend and then take stock of what we need in the long-term," Busst said.
"We haven't got any forwards at the moment so that's obviously an immediate concern but the squad seems pretty strong defensively and in midfield."
A mixture of youth-teamers and fringe players gave Busst an insight into the task ahead when they gave his senior players a 4-1 friendly beating last Saturday but that didn't worry him.
"The result was unimportant," he admitted. "We tried a few players in different positions and the match was all about having a look at the squad. I have spoken at length with Westy and we will be having further discussions after training this week."
One player unlikely to figure at Yate is Kevin Rowlands, but Busst is confident that skipper Nathan Jukes will still be at the club despite strong interest from Stourport.
"He's the captain and I expect him to at least have a look at things for the next month before making a decision about his future," Busst said. "I spoke to Kevin last week and he has other commitments. He knew he would only be needed short-term but he has said that he will be available if I need him."
Three points this weekend will prove a huge boost for Busst and everyone at the club but the manager is taking nothing for granted.
"There are no easy games but if we can string two or three wins together then a platform will be laid for the remainder of the season but there will be no easy ride for no one."
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