OAKLEY'S new boss says their long-term vision is to emulate high-flying Kelty but for now he'll settle for staying in the East of Scotland Premier League.

Peter Goldie is stepping up from his role as head of youth development and under-20s coach at Blairwood Park.

Boss Stewart Kenny and assistant Peter Kelly surprised everyone by quitting less than a week after winning promotion and it's a local lad who will lead the club into the Premier League.

The 34-year-old told Press Sport: "It's natural progression for me to take the first-team job but it came along quicker than anticipated.

"It was a no-brainer. Having grown up in the village and played for the club, I know what it means to everyone here.

"It's something I've always wanted to do and there's no better time to come in than off the back of winning the league.

"It's going to be a big challenge but it's an exciting opportunity."

His backroom staff will be Garry Wright, David Mathie and Gary Hay and the new boss added: "There are some good teams in the Premier League and some good Fife derbies to come.

"We need to consolidate, make the team stronger and cement our place in the league.

"The others will have bigger budgets so if we can stay in the league and get a cup run, we can hopefully build from there."

Goldie has a tough enough job on his hands with Oakley stepping up another level to the Premier League but can't help dreaming big after watching Kelty climb all the way to the SPFL and League One clashes with the likes of Dunfermline and Falkirk.

He said: "Oakley is a big club. In the old juniors days, they were always up there challenging with Hill of Beath and Kelty, they were the big three in Fife.

"There's a lot of work to get to where Kelty is but that's the target they've set.

"They've got money behind them, which helps to attract players, but we've got a vision of what we want to do.

"It helps if the first team is successful and that's the aim for us, as well as building the youth system, which is massive."

Goldie became head of youth development two years ago and the club now has players from as young as five all the way through to the under-20s and first team.

He said: "It probably helped us win the league last season. I was the under-20s coach and nearly every one of them played for the first team at some point.

"That's credit to Stewart for giving them the opportunity. Young boys want to test themselves and it's great to show them there is a pathway to the first team.

"Two boys will come up from the 20s for pre-season and there's another five or six that aren't too far away from making the step up.

"I hope to bring in a few players to strengthen the side too. The boys that got us there have done a great job but as you go up the leagues you need to add that bit more quality."

A nasty head injury sustained when the Newburgh goalie punched him accidentally in the temple as they went for a high ball in 2011 hastened the end of his own playing days.

He suffered panic attacks in the aftermath and the dizzy spells and problems with his balance continue to this day.

Goldie, a health and safety advisor for Taylor Wimpey, said: "It had massive implications, I was off work for six months and had to stop playing. It was life-changing.

"If it hadn't happened I probably wouldn't have gone down the coaching route, which I really enjoy.

"I believe I can develop players, that I've got the man management skills to get the best out of them, which is why they've given me this opportunity.

"I'm really looking forward to it."