New Burgess Hill boss Jamie Howell believes Colin Hunwick can help him make his mark.

Howell returned to his former club Bognor to recruit Hunwick as his new assistant to help cope with the pressures of being a player-manager.

He played most of the 1-1 draw at Ashford Town on his managerial debut with Hunwick in the dug-out after Gary Croydon stepped down last week.

Lloyd Cotton gave Hillians an early lead before Mark Lovell equalised in the last minute.

Howell said: "It is a difficult balance to get right when you are player-manager.

"I'm only 30 and feel I can contribute on the field so it is important to have someone in the dug-out who you can trust and respect.

"I knew Colin from when he was at Bognor as a coach and I was a player. We worked well together then.

"I want to put my stamp on Burgess Hill, play more football that is pleasing on the eye, even though I appreciate we are in the results business. That was the way I was used to at Bognor and Colin can be a big part of what I want to achieve."

"It wasn't a bad start for us at Ashford. We dropped back and let them come on to us too much after going in front but overall I was pleased."

Howell hopes to added Neil Watts (knee) and Simon Greatwich (back) to the squad at Whyteleafe tomorrow.