Riza can stake his claim

Former Arsenal star Omer Riza has been given the chance to stake a claim for the Cheshunt hot-seat following the departure of Tony Faulkner.

Riza, pictured, only joined the Ryman League's Ambers last week as player assistant-manager to Faulkner and was handed the caretaker role at Theobalds Lane on Thursday.

The 34-year-old takes charge for the first time at the weekend when Ryman North Cheshunt travel to Hertford Town in the FA Cup's Preliminary Round.

After gracing the Champions League with Arsenal and playing in the Turkish top flight for seven seasons before returning to play for Boreham Wood, Histon and Chelmsford City last season, the UEFA licenced coach says he's determined to take his chance to step up so quickly after being handed the role by Cheshunt Chairman Dean Williamson.

Riza, who also turned out for West Ham, Aldershot and Shrewsbury, won't rule out continuing to play himself despite his promotion and was looking forward to taking his first training session with the Ambers squad on Thursday night.

He said: "It’s new to me but I am ready for the challenge. I am ready for the next step of my career. I have always wanted to go into this side of the game. I feel quietly confident I have what it takes to build something. We have a squad of technically good players that want to do well. We need to improve; I expect that from myself and will expect that from everyone else."

Faulkner left by mutual agreement on Wednesday with the club fourth from bottom after Cheshunt's 1-1 Bank Holiday Monday draw at home to rock bottom Ware. Cheshunt's Chairman confirmed they will take their time over making a permanent appointment and can make the job his own.

Williamson said: "We are in no rush to appoint a long term successor to Tony. We have already received a number of applications for the job which we will carefully review. In the meantime, this is a natural step for Omer and he has the chance to impress on a caretaker basis and make a claim for the permanent position."