NEWPORT IoW have handed Richie Reynolds the job of leading them back into the Dr Martens Premier Division inside the next three seasons.

The 54-year-old former Portsmouth midfielder was last night unveiled as new first-team boss at a supporters' club meeting on the Island.

Reynolds, who made 160 appearance during five seasons at Fratton Park between 1971 and 1976, succeeds another ex-Pompey man, Guy Whittingham, who lost his job amid the fall-out of last season's relegation bombshell.

The former Fareham, Petersfield, Chichester and Wick manager inherits a predominantly young side who will be run on a tighter budget following chairman Bill Manuel's decision to stop pumping money into the club.

Over 20 years on the non-league circuit, Reynolds has built a reputation for encouraging young players and the delighted Manuel said: "Richie's experience, combined with the fact he has been working closely with young players, makes him the ideal man to develop our youth policy.

"We can now build a good, young side that will ultimately get us back into the Premier Division - and this time maintain our status."

Reynolds is equally enthusiastic, but said: "Success won't happen overnight and the fans will have to be patient next season as it will be a period of stability.

"But I can promise them that my side will always try and play good football."