Mikey Harris: Salisbury manager unfazed at being youngest boss

Salisbury City's Mikey Harris has insisted he is unconcerned by being appointed English football's youngest full-time manager.

After five years as number two, the 28-year-old was confirmed as boss on Thursday on a one-year rolling deal.

"People will look at it and say 'wow, he's young', but it doesn't bother me," Harris told BBC Wiltshire.

"I've been the lads' immediate boss for five years, so I'm confident I can assert my authority."

He continued: "People my age haven't got the the experience I've had."

While a first-team regular at Salisbury, midfielder Harris also worked as a fitness coach and sports scientist for the team.

He was appointed assistant boss at the age of 23 during Tommy Widdrington's tenure and remained in the job when team-mate Darrell Clarke took over as manager in 2010.

Clarke and Harris secured two promotions in three years as a management duo, before Clarke opted to join John Ward's staff at Bristol Rovers.

Some Salisbury fans have questioned Harris's credentials as a first-time manager and he admitted: "It's disappointing the fans have expressed their unhappiness because, essentially, I am a Salisbury fan.

"They should know I will do my best for this football club and I will make sure we are successful."

Harris will take charge of his first league game when Salisbury host Tamworth at the Ray Mac on 10 August.

He added: "I've had a season and a half at this level and I understand I'm young, but I've got a lot of enthusiasm.

"It's up to me now to prove wrong the ones that think I'm too young."