Parr has made the move from local rivals Horndean, where he has just enjoyed a successful debut season – leading the Wessex Premier Division side to 11th in the league as well as Portsmouth Senior Cup glory.

Despite his achievements, the ambitious Parr was left disappointed with the club's future plans and decided to seek a fresh challenge at a club willing to match his aspirations.

And fortunately for him, an opportunity turned up just eight miles down the road at neighbours and premier division rivals Hayling United.

"I was at Horndean for one year and we did really well to end up with silverware," he said.

"But unfortunately their ambitions didn't match my own, and I don't want to be at a club that is standing still.

"Hayling are a club that is looking to progress and go places, with a chairman who really wants to push the club on.

"He is giving me very good backing and that's one of the key reasons why I came here."

The managerial hotseat was left vacated by the popular Kevin Wright who could no longer commit to the role due to family commitments.

Instead, he will be taking up a position on the club's committee, and while moving former managers upstairs has been a recipe for disaster at other clubs, Parr cannot wait to work with him.

"Kevin was the man that wanted to get me here as we have built up a lot of respect for each other over the season," he said.

"To take over from him is really good, and I want him to stay involved.

"I certainly don't want him to drop off the radar as he has a wealth of football knowledge.

"I have a great deal of respect for him as he has a lot of ideas about the game. I want him to help me in my first season."

Hayling recorded a solid 12th-place finish in their first season in the Wessex Premier Division, but Parr is looking to improve upon that next season.

"Our target will be the top six and the players will be under no illusions about what we are looking for," he added.

Parr has already started the search for new players but has promised the current squad they will be given the opportunity to show what they can do.

The new boss has already signed former Horndean trio Steve Warwick, Paul Baker and Lee Douglas, less than a month after the season finished, and admits more could follow him down the A3.