FORMER Bridport manager Edgar Marcu has been named assistant manager at Romanian Liga 3 side Dacia Unirea Braila on an 18-month deal.

It is the first professional contract of the 36-year-old’s coaching career and begins in mid-January.

Marcu will work under manager Marian Samuilă and will also front up the club’s youth and academy system.

Braila are one of ten teams in Seria 2, part of a ten-group system in Romania’s third division.

READ MORE: Edgar Marcu secures UEFA B coaching licence

However, they have lost all of their last six matches including a 4-1 defeat at home on Saturday by CSM Ramnicu Sarat.

Marcu, who has been working with Step 5 side Sherborne Town this season, is looking to transform his childhood club and will follow the example of Premier League sides with his coaching methodology.

Speaking to the Bridport News, he said: “It is an absolute honour to represent the club where I fell in love with football and where I made my first step in football as well.

“I signed a one-and-a-half-year deal and I am very much looking forward to starting my journey with this amazing club.

“This team played the Romanian Cup final back in 1993 so I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with such a huge club.

“In the same time, I do hope one day I will be back to manage here at a pro level as England has a very special place in my heart.”

He added: “I cannot describe in words how proud I am to represent my childhood team and to sign my first senior professional contract. Dreams do come true.”