NEW Ellon United boss Scott Paterson is hoping his new job will be the catalyst for a successful managerial career.

Former Liverpool, Dundee United and Cove Rangers defender Paterson has been appointed as the new man in charge at The Meadows.

Paterson is relishing his new challenge and admits to having aspirations of one day managing at a higher level.

He said: “Football is all I really know.

“I could be waiting ages to get a job, no matter what level it is.

“I liked what Ellon had to say, and as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

“We have all got to start somewhere.

“There have been a few jobs come up in the Second and Third Divisions that I have put my name forward for, but nothing came of them.

“Ellon sold the club on me and I am looking forward to it.”

Paterson currently works coaching youths for Aberdeen FC and the Scottish Football Association.

Having been approached by Ellon, he spoke with Deveronvale co-manager Scott Anderson – who left Ellon to take over at Vale – about the club.

Fellow Dons youth coach Anderson was very complimentary of United and Paterson had no hesitation accepting the job.

Paterson said: “I don’t really know much about junior football.

“But I met the club and they said which direction they want it to go in.

“I spoke to Scott Anderson as well, and he talked very highly of them.

“So I thought it would be a good start for me.”

Ellon are currently in the Superleague relegation zone.

But they have games in hand over the majority of their rivals and Paterson is confident his squad can beat the drop.

He said: “I was very impressed with the committee at Ellon and the ambitions of the club.

“We are in a difficult situation, but I have seen enough in the squad in the games that I have watched to start winning games.

“The slate is wiped clean for everyone and it will be my job to get the confidence up and get the players to play with smiles on their faces.

“When I watched them, the thing I liked was that they tried to play football.

“I know what I am letting myself in for.

“But football is a simple game and if you can do the basic things right, it’s half a start.”

Central defender Paterson played for 14 clubs during a career that took in the top level on both sides of the border.

The 36-year-old started and finished his playing days with Cove.

Paterson would have liked to extend his second spell at Allan Park but was forced into retirement last year.

He said: “I wanted to play for as long as I could.

“The Cove thing came up and I played there for a while, but it just wasn’t happening so I though it was best to pack in completely.”