Carlisle United legend Peter Murphy says he can't wait to begin the "exciting challenge" of his first management job with Annan.

The 36-year-old was yesterday confirmed as the new player-boss at Galabank.

It sees Murphy - United's record outfield appearance holder - succeed Jim Chapman at the Scottish League Two club.

The defender spent the last three seasons with Ayr and had been in discussions about joining Annan before Chapman departed for Clyde.

Murphy said: "I've been looking at coaching and management with the future in mind, and this has come around at the right time.

"I had spoken to Jim Chapman about possibly coming in, but then he left the following day.

"The opportunity was there, I applied for the job, had an interview and must have impressed.

"It gives me an opportunity to get into management whilst still being a player.

"It's a very exciting opportunity. It's going to be hard work but it's a very good challenge."

Annan, who lost out in last season's promotion play-offs to Forfar, had been seeking a new boss since Chapman's departure two weeks ago.

Murphy says he intends to continue playing but may scale back his time on the pitch.

"I will have to get into the job first, assess how the squad is and see what is available, and then decide whether I need to be playing all the time or can pick and choose a little more," he said.

"The first steps will be to make contact with the players who have done so well for the club over the last couple of years, see what position the club is in, and how it can move forward.

"The aim will be to achieve more success than it has previously, and to go up.

"There are a lot of good people at the club and I'll be determined to do a good job.

"It's something I've thought about for many years, management and coaching - as a player I would always be analysing everything, and also learning from the different approaches of managers."

In a statement, Annan said: "Peter brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the task and we look forward to our new journey on and off the park commencing immediately."