New Barnet head coach Kevin Nugent has brushed aside suggestions of lacking experience in what will be his first managerial role at The Hive - and said he is "really excited" to get going.

Nugent has never taken the top job at a club before, but in a 13-year coaching career to date has acted as caretaker five times, as well as serving as assistant to well-known faces including Kenny Jackett, Karl Robinson and Roberto Martinez.

The 49-year-old revealed he has "never really" gone for managerial roles in the past - but was taken in by the potential of Barnet.

"It was just a phone call that got everything going and then I wanted to get in as quickly as possible and get started," he said.

"I've coached for a long time and when this came along, I just thought this was a stable club with some hungry young players, in a good position. I'm really looking forward to starting and very excited to get going.

"I've seen some managers go in, maybe not quite as prepared for their role, and it not work out. This might not work out too, but I know I'm prepared for it.

"You've only got to look at the likes of Eddie Howe, Roberto Martinez and Garry Monk who went straight in to managing after a playing career and they've all done well. I've worked as an assistant and caretaker a number of times as well, I certainly don't consider myself inexperienced."

Chairman Tony Kleanthous re-iterated his desire for Barnet to reach the League 2 play-off places this season, and Barnet are in touching distance of the top seven with 15 games to play.

And Nugent is in no doubt of the Bees' desire for success this season.

"This club is an ambitious club, we want to get as high as we can," he said. "The next game is always my thing - we have got a big crowd coming tomorrow, and if we all pull together, you never know what we might achieve.

"We'll have to be on the top of our game to get anything against Portsmouth, but anyone can beat anyone in this league and we have quality in our side."