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New Crawley Town manager Mark Yates hopes he can build a side which can challenge for promotion next season.

The 45-year-old was appointed by the Reds, who were relegated from League One earlier this month, on a two-year deal on Tuesday.

"I aim to be challenging for the play-offs or automatic [promotion]," he told 91�ȱ� Sussex.

"The budget will not be the biggest but I'm used to that. I'll try and get the best possible squad."

He added: "We've no divine right to go up because we have come down.

"I will work tirelessly to bring a bit of success and give the supporters something to smile about."

Yates has been out of work since November, when he was sacked by League Two side Cheltenham.

He had reached the League Two play-offs in 2012 and 2013 and was the third-longest serving manager in the top four divisions at the time of his dismissal.

"At Cheltenham I had a team where the sum of parts was better than the individuals we had," he said.

"I really believe I am a better manager than I was at Cheltenham. I felt I overachieved and was a victim of my own relative success."

Crawley chief executive Michael Dunford described Yates as a "good coach with a winning mentality".

He added: "Managing this club is not without challenges but he is raring to go and we are ready to support him.

"We are looking to bounce back as soon as possible and with Mark at the helm we stand an excellent chance of making progress."

Yates is set to appoint his backroom staff in the next couple of weeks, while also pursuing new signings for the West Sussex club.

Crawley currently have nine senior players under contract for next season.