Ian Bogie: Stockport manager ready for 'massive few weeks'

Ian Bogie believes Stockport County have huge potential - provided they avoid relegation from Blue Square Bet Premier in the next few weeks.

The Hatters named the 45-year-old as their new boss after they sacked Darije Kalezic on Wednesday.

County are two points above the drop zone with seven matches to play.

"You can not underestimate how big the next five weeks are for the club. I definitely think we can pull through," Bogie told BBC North West Tonight.

"The desire and the motivation has got to be at the maximum and hopefully the quality we possess in one or two areas of the pitch can come through and win games.

"The club averages over 3,000 supporters and, if they were in the top five, it would probably be 5,000 or 6,000. That tells you the club's stature.

"The fan base is fantastic, they've got a great stadium and the potential's there. The main aim is to stay in this league. We must stay in this league."

Bogie was sacked by fellow Conference outfit Gateshead in December and was interviewed for the Stockport position a month later, before Kalezic was appointed as successor to Jim Gannon at Edgeley Park.

But Bosnia-born Kalezic was dismissed after just 12 matches in the role and the County board installed ex-Port Vale midfielder Bogie as his replacement almost immediately.

"It's a fantastic challenge. I've had some big challenges in my career as a player and a manager and come through," he added. "I'm more than confident that I can do the job here at Stockport."