Ian Foster is risking a lot by taking on the role as Galway United manager, yet he insists he will do things in his own way.
Last year he took a plunge into the unknown by agreeing to follow Jeff Kenna over to the west coast of Ireland and form a new management set-up at a club stuck to the foot of the Premier Division table.
Foster was the assistant, although he would help out wherever he could - even by playing some games when they were short of players. It was a surreal learning experience for the 32-year-old, but one that he won't forget in a hurry.
A lot has changed since the end of 2008. Kenna left to take the top job at St Patrick's Athletic and Foster was given the opportunity to become his replacement as the Galway board were reluctant to let him go.
Club CEO Nick Leeson saw something in the Liverpool native during his stint as assistant to suggest he had the ability to transform into a top manager. Terms were quickly agreed on a two-year deal and before he knew what was happening Foster had jumped on board the managerial merry-go-round.
"Everything happened quite quickly with Jeff [Kenna] moving on and then the position being offered the job. I was happy to take it on as it is an exciting challenge," Foster told setanta.com in an exclusive interview.
"We had seven games in pre-season and I'm pleased with how they went. Now we are into the season it will be different and far tougher, but I feel that we have prepared well for it.
"I'm happy with the squad that we have been able to put together. There has been a big turnover from last season, but there is still a lot of quality there. It is a good mix of players."
One of the players that Foster did keep at the club, despite numerous offers from elsewhere, was Jay O'Shea. The tricky winger was a sensation for the Connacht club last term as he bedazzled opposing defenders and played a key role in keeping Galway in the Premier Division.
O'Shea had been expected to move to Coca-Cola Championship side Derby County, but a deal fell through when they changed managers.
Although even when he arrived back for pre-season training, there was no shortage of interest for the former Bray Wanderers player.
Foster had an honest conversation with O'Shea, where he agreed to let him move on if the deal was right for everyone involved, but until then he wanted him to stay at Terryland Park.
"It was unfortunate for Jay that the move to England didn't work out. He is a quality player and I have no doubt that he will end up there in the near future, but for us it is great to still have him," admitted Foster.
"Obviously, we would like for him to stick around as I believe he still has a lot to learn and will become even better. I've made him captain this season because I think he can be a leader and will be a big player for us again.
"If an offer does come in, it would be selfish of me to try to block any sort of move. But until that happens, I hope he continues to play well and do his best for us."
It is clear when you listen to Foster speak that he isn't cooking up an agenda on the side or looking to find ways around things. He relishes the challenges that come before him and is constantly plotting how he can improve as a manager.
The pressure will mount during different stages of the season, but this rookie manager will attempt to take it all in his stride as he bids to establish himself as someone that the Galway fans can rely on.
As long as he keeps doing things his way, then Foster could surprise more than a few people this year.