New Lowestoft Town boss Dale Brooks' first priority is for the Blues not to get embroiled in a relegation battle.

Brooks was confirmed as Ady Gallagher's permanent successor on Thursday evening and takes charge of his first match since stepping up from assistant against Metropolitan Police this afternoon.

The Trawlerboys currently sit in 17th place, well clear of the relegation zone in the Bostik League Premier, but Brooks wants to stabilise the Blues and start working their way up the table.

'We want to try and keep the momentum going so we don't get involved in a relegation battle,' he told the club's official website.

'I know there's a new league structure next season but whether you're a player, supporter or member of staff you want to try and win as many games as possible.'

The hope for Lowestoft fans is that Brooks can hit the ground running as he makes the transition from assistant to main man.

He will be asked to work within a strict playing budget but the former Norwich City youth coach hopes to get his own ideas across as quickly as possible.

'I think that once you're inside, you have a better understanding of the players and get a good feel of the club and where it wants to go.

'It's down to me now to impose my philosophy on the football club and see where that can take us.'

Lowestoft have a number of long-term injury worries, with both Rossi Jarvis and Ollie Humphries still sidelined whilst Shaun Bammant continues to be dogged by an Achilles problem.

Andrew Fisk has also had his own injury concerns but the midfielder should be back in action soon.

With a small squad at his disposal wholesale changes aren't an option for Brooks as he prepares to focus on his players' strengths.

'You have to put on a system or a style of play around the players that you have,' he added.

'Selection will dictate what we do and what we don't do, obviously the secret is to try and play winning football! But we don't have to just play one way because we can adjust. We want to try and be positive and get ourselves up the league - that's the main thing.'