Phil Brown says he is excited by the challenge of “nine cup finals” in Barrow AFC’s survival mission.

The new manager also says he wants to put smiles on faces as he sets about the task of keeping the Bluebirds in the Football League.

Brown was on Monday appointed on a deal until the end of the season, a day after Mark Cooper’s departure.

The former Hull City and Southend United boss took over a side six points clear of the relegation zone but by no means out of the woods in the League Two survival race.

Brown, speaking for the first time about his appointment, said: “When you’re sitting out of work, it’s always nice when you get a phonecall.

“I was actually at the Rochdale [v barrow] game, and I witnessed a good, strong team performance that day. It was a 0-0 draw, and they could have pinched it but also lost it…and that seems to be the tale of the season.

“When the end of the season comes, people unfortunately lose their jobs because of league positions. What’s gone on beforehand doesn’t really concern me, it’s what happens now that matters.

“That’s the exciting part – we’ve got nine cup finals and nine games against teams higher than us in the division, and we have to level that balance.”

Brown’s first game in charge comes against fellow strugglers Leyton Orient this weekend.

It sees the 62-year-old – who is being assisted by Neil McDonald – back in the dugout after leaving Southend last October.

He says first impressions of the squad on the training pitch have been bright – but he said it’s on the pitch on Saturday when it will count.

“Unfortunately when one man gains another man loses,” he said in a club interview. “Some players have to take responsibility of that – we haven’t won enough games.

“When a new manager comes in you’re going to get a breath of fresh air, but I want that to last, so when Saturday comes, we’re prepared for it and ready for action.

“I’ve witnessed a group of players that can play football, that’s for sure. They’re suffering where confidence is concerned – you just have to look at the league table and see we’re not at the right end, hence why I’m here.

“But we will prepare the players as best we can, the facilities are very good, we will use them to the best of our ability and hopefully be ready for the game on Saturday.”

Brown says he wants to “get to know the community” and make the Dunes Hotel Stadium “a fortress” in the Bluebirds’ remaining home games.

“The main priority is keeping a smile on people’s faces,” he added.