NEW Chorley manager Mark Patterson has set his stall out to get the Magpies back in the Conference.

The former Leigh RMI manager, who resigned from his position at Hilton Park two weeks ago, was named as Mark Molyneaux's successor this week.

And the midfielder still believes that Chorley are capable of earning a second consecutive play-off spot this term.

But he admits wholesale changes will have to be made after witnessing the Victory Park outfit's fourth defeat on the bounce since the popular Molyneaux's departure over a fortnight ago.

"It wasn't great against Kendal on Tuesday night, but you are looking at players who are low on confidence," Patterson said.

"For the first 10 to 15 minutes they were okay but they quickly lost their shape.

"They need organising, but they also need a lift.

"It's been difficult for them with Moly leaving, but I told them on Tuesday it's time to move on.

"The club have stated their ambitions to get back into the Conference and, looking at the games in hand we could even make the play-offs."

Patterson added that one of his first tasks would be to whittle the squad down from 40-plus to around 21 players.

"The squad's too big at the moment," he said.

"But those who still want to play for Chorley will be given a fair crack of the whip.

"We'll just wait to see who turns up for training tonight."