Gifton Noel-Williams has all the qualities required to turn around Burnham’s ailing season after being appointed manager, according to Watford legend Luther Blissett.

The former Hornets striker took the reins of the Hellenic League Premier Division side, who are winless this season and sit bottom of the table, on Monday.

Blissett, who is head of football development at Burnham, says Noel-Williams’ experience both as a player and coach make him the ideal person to inspire the club’s squad.

“He is somebody who came through at a young age and has had to battle against a lot of adversity with injuries as well. It is great for the players to learn from someone with his experience,” Blissett said.

“Of course you look at his playing credentials and what he has done as a player is a big plus. He has done a lot on the coaching side of things and worked in player development in Watford.

“The players’ reaction to him has been fantastic and he has had a good influence already. He has spoken to the players and they can’t wait to get going.”

While the Watford connection between Noel-Williams and Blissett is impossible to ignore, the latter was eager to stress the 36-year-old was appointed on the strength of his CV rather than personal favour.

He stepped down from a position as manager of Northwood’s Under-18s and reserves in June and runs the GNW Football Academy in Watford.

Noel-Williams, who was Watford’s top scorer during the 1998/99 promotion-wining campaign, watched as his new charges lost 2-1 against Oxford City Nomads on Tuesday night.

He will take charge of his first official game against Longlevens AFC tomorrow and Blissett is confident Burnham can end a 15-game losing run under Noel-Williams’ stewardship.

“Gifton has been at Northwood so will be working at a level that isn’t new to him and is up against a calibre of player he knows,” Blissett explained.

“He understands the game and we have already seen a reaction from the players and that first result is what he needs now.

“The results in the last few games have not been great but the performances have been there and we have piled the pressure on the opposition.

“It is one of those things where results have gone against us, but I think that will change very soon and the players understand what needs to be done.”

Turning Burnham’s form around will be no easy task for Noel-Williams after an opening to the campaign which has seen them concede 62 goals already.

Blissett, therefore, says it is important for the club to be realistic in their aims for the season, but nonetheless sees no reason why they can’t kick on.

“I think you have got to set a target of some sort and we will be able to say what that is once we have got the first win,” he said.

“We have to be realistic and look at where we are, who we have to play and how many points we can get to see how it pans out.

“I think mid-table is something to aim for and the table will split into two groups which compete in the top half and the bottom half.

“Gifton has come on board with what we want to do, knows what we are looking for and will be fine.”