Stephen McAlorum insists he is under no illusions as he looks to the future with Belfast Celtic.
The West Belfast club unveiled McAlorum and Paddy Kelly as their new management team on Monday .
It was also confirmed they will play in the Ballymena and Provincial Football League next season.
McAlorum and Kelly will form an exciting partnership that the club hopes will take Belfast Celtic to the next level.
Kelly has management experience following spells with Donegal Celtic and Crumlin United, while Irish League midfielder McAlorum boasts a track record that should help attract new players to the club.
"It is an exciting time for everyone involved," said McAlorum.
"It is a massive challenge, but also a great opportunity to try and progress the club.
"Having Paddy Kelly alongside me is a big bonus. Paddy's experience in football, and his knowledge of these leagues and players, is invaluable.
"Having someone like Paddy to lean on will be important to my development as a coach and manager. He will be like mentor to me."
McAlorum added: "We are under no illusions. There is a big rebuild job needed if we want to make Belfast Celtic competitive next season.
"Last season we were simply not good enough. So the hard work really does start here and now."
McAlorum will come up against some familiar faces next season in the Ballymena and Provincial League.
Pat McAllister and Barry Johnston - who he worked alongside during their time together at Sport and Leisure Swifts - are now in charge of St James' Swifts .
Donegal Celtic - where Kelly used to manage - will also be in the league.
"St James' will be strongly fancied next season. The investment they are making, and having Packie and Janty on board, make them a real force," McAlorum said.
"We just have to be as competitive as we can and start building some momentum. The club hasn't placed any targets for us. There is no quick route to success.
"This is a long-term plan that will take time. We are now trying to bring in the right type of player to help Belfast Celtic move in the right direction.
"We need quality, but we also need the right character. So we will see what the summer delivers in terms of new players and then we will give next season our best shot."
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