Robert Bean says his promotion to head coach of PHC Zebras has been a seamless transition and has vowed to build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor Scott Morton.

Bean, who served as Morton’s assistant last season, has always aspired to take charge of his boyhood club and is determined to oversee another trophy-laden era.

Morton stepped down at the end of last term to concentrate on his coaching role with the Bermuda team, having led Zebras to a record eleventh title and seven trophies in three seasons.

“[Coaching PHC] is something I’ve always aspired to,” Bean said.

“Whatever PHC needed or wanted, I would always be there for them. It’s a club that’s very close to my heart.

“There’s a process in place to help any new coach [at PHC]. Whether it’s me or someone else, the club would have ensured it’s an easy transition and that the new coach understands the PHC way.”

Bean has already started getting his ideas across to the players during pre-season and is excited about the prospect of defending their Premier Division title this season.

“Before the end of last season we had already mapped out how we were going to attack this season,” said Bean, who was also an assistant to former PHC coach Mark Wade.

“The players have been receptive and understand what’s in place. There was a plan in place regardless of who the new coach was.”

A firm believer in giving youth a chance to shine, Bean said ensuring that the club’s talent conveyor belt continues to churn out players will be among his top priorities.

“Our main goal will be to continue the progression of our youngsters and the progression of our programme,” Bean said. “The final thing is the trophies.

“Everyone wants to win, but it’s about doing what’s necessary to win.

“We’re putting in the work and trophies are the ultimate reward. My main reward is to see the conveyor belt of the youth programme still going. I believe in this programme and most of our coaches have been through the programme. We understand what we have to do.”

Bean said he enjoyed working with Morton and Wade, the Bermuda Football Association president, but is keen to put his own stamp on the Warwick club.

“You can learn from a lot of different coaches and I owe a lot to [Morton and Wade] and from other coaches, too” he added. “You never stop learning in this position.”

Bean joined PHC as a nine-year-old and progressed through their ranks before his playing career was curtailed because of a foot injury at the age of 16.

“After my injuries, I was asked to assist with the junior programme — that’s how it all started for me,” he said.

Bean, who has a Uefa B licence, has worked with the club’s under-5, under-9, under-11, Player Development League teams, as well as the first-team squad.

“The executive of the Pembroke Hamilton Club are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Robert Bean as the senior men’s team head coach,” the club wrote on Instagram.

“It is with much excitement and pride that we look forward to the upcoming season.”