BARRY SMITH has set his sights on returning Aldershot Town to the Football League after being unveiled as the Vanarama Conference side's new manager.
The former Dundee manager made a swift return to football yesterday having quit Alloa Athletic a little more tha six weeks ago following a run of just one victory in 13 matches.
The 41-year-old kept Alloa in the SPFL Championship last season and this term guided them to the Petrofac Training Cup final, a run which included a memorable semi-final victory over Rangers.
However, after having his resignation reluctantly accepted by Alloa last month, the former Celtic and Dundee defender is now keen to revive the fortunes of Aldershot.
The club were relegated to the Conference in 2013 and endured a short spell in administration soon after but, following this term's lowly 18th-place finish, Smith is aiming to win promotion next term.
He said: "I see Aldershot Town as a great club with the same aspirations as myself. I want to be successful and so does ATFC.
"It felt an ideal fit. The team are playing below par at the moment but if we have a great season we can get into the play-offs.
"We are looking to build a new squad, and we have to build slowly, but we want to put out a team that makes Aldershot proud.
"It would be a great achievement to reach the play-offs next season and ultimately we want to take the club back to the Football League.
"The fans will be proud of this team, but we need everyone working together - the fans, the management and the team.
"We've got a great pitch out there and it's one that deserves good football. I want to get the ball down and pass, we have to be positive and attack-minded in the way we play."
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