Richard Todd has targeted promotion to the Premier Division in his first season after taking over as technical director of St.George's.

Todd's all-encompassing role will enable the former Boulevard Blazers assistant to restructure the First Division club from the grassroots level as well as coach their senior team.

St.George's narrowly missed out on the promotion play-offs last term and Todd believes it's imperative they secure top-flight football by the end of next season to keep hold of their best players.

"It's an exciting project and I feel St.George's is a good fit for me," said Todd.

"The role of technical director will allow me to use my contacts and knowledge and improve the club from the grassroots level.

"I'll also be taking charge of the senior team and gaining promotion is a big part of my mandate.

"I think the players are still kicking themselves after missing out last season and the Premier Division is definitely our target.

"We need to keep St .George's players in St. George's by playing in the Premier Division.

"When I was young I had to leave to North Village as I wanted to test myself against the bigger clubs."

The ex-United States Independent Soccer League (USISL) professional enjoyed an outstanding season as Andrew Bascome's assistant at Boulevard which saw them finish runners-up in the league and clinch the FA Cup.

He describes his Blazers experience as a great learning curve and plans to base his blueprint for success at St. George's on Bascome's winning formula.

"Boulevard was a great experience for me and I learnt a lot from Andrew who gave me the freedom to work with the group," Todd said.

"Andrew's a great coach and in terms of reading the game and implementing tactics he's the best on the Island.

"I really want to instil the Boulevard work ethic into St.George's players. The three most important ingredients for success for me are work ethic, discipline and unity."

Todd returned to Bermuda early in 2007 from Alabama where he had been the academy director at Vestiva Hills Soccer Club. He became Kenny Thompson's national team assistant during Bermuda's memorable World Cup campaign, which saw the Gombey Warriors beat Trinidad in their own backyard.

With Bermuda Football Association (BFA) restructuring their national programme Todd had hoped we would have been appointed on a full-time basis within the newly set-up academy, and doesn't attempt to hide his disappointment at being overlooked.

"Of course I'm disappointed that a chance to work for the national academy did not present itself," he said.

"I guess that was part of the reason I returned to Bermuda.

"I'm disappointed that my expertise have not been utilised as much as they could have, but I always remain open to the national level."