JODY Brown can hardly wait until his first game in charge of HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS.

The former Maldon & Tiptree assistant boss was appointed on Monday and will take the reins for today’s match against Dereham Town, at Scraley Road.

He met the players for the first time on Tuesday night.

And he insists there is a positive mood in the camp.

“There’s a lot going on at the club, with approaches in for some of our players,” said Brown.

“Those individuals have to think about what they want to do, while at the same time I’m looking to bring in four or five.

“It’s a period of transition but there’s a real feeling of positivity and togetherness in the camp.

“There’s reason for plenty of optimism and I can’t wait for today's game.

“It’s been a long while coming and I’m looking forward to getting out there.”

Promotion-chasing Swifts will be without defender Danny Barber.

The full-back hobbled off during the second half of last week’s 1-0 victory at Waltham Abbey.

He suffered medial knee ligament damage and will be out for around a month.

“It’s a blow and we’re already a bit thin on the ground,” said Brown.

“But Danny’s a hard-working lad and I’m confident it will be a maximise of four weeks, rather than a minimum.”

Elsewhere, WITHAM TOWN manager Garry Kimble is asking his players to be ready when needed.

Kimble appreciates there will be members of his squad disappointed to not be included in the 16 to line-up against Tilbury today.

But he knows he will need them at some point and wants them to be fighting fit when they are.

He said: “Winning is a good habit to have and with the run we’ve had recently.

“It has made it hard for some players to break into the team, but everyone has to be ready when they are needed.

“I can’t wait for people to get themselves fit.

“They have to be ready even if they aren’t in the side at the moment.”

Paul King misses out tomorrow due to a hamstring injury.

Elsewhere, Brown’s old team, MALDON & TIPTREE, are away to Brentwood.