Chapman, who has been with the club for more than 11 years, two of which as manager, stepped in to take temporary charge when Mark Wright returned to Ifield with eight games of the previous season remaining.

"I am use to managing the side so I'm looking forward to it as it's something I have always enjoyed," said the former Horsham coach and manager.

"With the management team we are putting together here, the club has decided to base it around local players as much as we can, and there is not a lot Julian Miller doesn't know about local football."

Having taken the helm at the end of the last two seasons in which Heath finished second from bottom, Chapman is under no illusions about the challenge he faces but says he is optimistic improvements will be made.

"We are looking to work with the players we have and we will be committed to improving them as players and build as strong a side as we can," he said.

"We've got some names of players we are interested in bringing in and they have expressed an interest in joining us, but until we know for sure it's not for me to talk about them."

Chapman also said the uncertainty surrounding which division they will play in next season is hampering his pre-season plans.

Division 3 champions Loxwood will take their place in Division 2, but there is mixed reports over whether or not Bexhill, who finished second, made the necessary application to the FA in time to go up.

"We are just looking for clarification," he said.

"It won't change anything if we do go down, but when you are talking to players it's about what you are offering them, so it does have an effect."

Chapman also confirmed he is hoping to announce the reserve team manager and assistant manager by the end of the week.