New Gorleston boss Ricci Butler insists he is fulfilling a lifelong ambition by climbing into the Emerald Park hotseat.

The Greens needed little more than 24 hours to convince the manager of lower-level neighbours Great Yarmouth Town to become Richard Daniels' replacement. And the 28-year-old admits he didn't need to think twice about making the move down the east coast despite having spent just a term with the Bloaters.

Butler, who spent nine years at Gorleston during three different stints as a player, said: 'After Lugsy's (Daniel) departure was announced I got asked 'would I be willing to go and have a chat?'.

'I spoke to the chairman (Alan Gordon) who gave me a five-year development plan which I like the look of. I know I built a bit up at Yarmouth but hand on heart this is a bit of a dream come true. Most little boys dream of Old Trafford and Anfield but I just always wanted to manage Gorleston. I've got green blood.'

Butler's father Carl – who assisted him at Yarmouth during his first season as a manager – spent more than two decades pulling on a Greens' shirt and spent a number of years in different coaching roles at the club.

'From about the age of four I just remember always being around the club,' said the former Diss, Acle, Norwich United and Kirkley & Pakefield striker.

'When my dad was Robert Fleck's assistant and I was 11 I used to go training with the first team and go on the coach for away games. It's why the first result I always look out for is Gorleston's.'

Yarmouth missed out on promotion from the Thurlow Nunn First Division by just two points and lost 1-0 to AFC Sudbury Reserves in the Knockout Cup final last term. Daniels left by mutual consent on Wednesday after Gorleston finished 12th in the Premier Division.

A Yarmouth statement, released on Thursday, said: 'It is with regret that Great Yarmouth Town have accepted the resignation of Ricci Butler. The club would like to thank Ricci, Carl Butler and Ross Catchpole (coach) for their efforts this season and wish them well for the future.'