Deniliquin Rams president Scott Barlow believes the ushering in of Troy Bartlett as senior football coach marks the beginning of a new era for the local club.

Bartlett, 29, has taken on the lead role after five-time premiership coach Gary Parsons’ decision to retire, bringing to an end what will be remembered as one of the most celebrated coaching careers in Murray league history.

Barlow said the club couldn’t be happier with Bartlett’s decision to apply for the position, due partly to the respect he has with the playing group, but also because of the big plans he has in store for 2013.

‘‘He has obviously thought long and hard about what he wants to try and do at the club in his own unique way, which is always difficult when following on from such a successful predecessor,’’ Barlow said.

‘‘It will be an exciting time for the players and I would like to think it’s the impetus that marks the beginning of a new era in both management and operations within the club at all levels.

‘‘A number of our junior players were coached by Troy in the thirds and there is a lot of excitement amongst them.

‘‘I would suspect that a number of his former teammates might be pretty keen on being involved with him next year as well.’’

Born and bred in Deniliquin, Bartlett is one of the club’s most decorated players and will be the first playing-coach at the Rams since himself and Leigh Marshall were at the helm in 2007 and ‘08.

A multiple club best and fairest winner, Bartlett has played in five senior premierships and was awarded the VCFL medal for the best player on the ground in the 2011 success.

He has played just under 200 senior games and has been an assistant to Parsons for the past four seasons.

‘‘It’s very exciting times. We’ve got a young group and they’re only going to get better,’’ Bartlett said.

‘‘After speaking to a few guys over the last week I’m very confident we will keep most of the playing group together (for 2014).

‘‘And we will be on the hunt to strengthen our squad too, that’s for sure.

‘‘It’s a bit early at the moment but there is definitely some new recruits on the horizon.’’

When he announced his retirement earlier this season, Parsons said it was time for players to ‘‘hear a new voice’’, and he agrees Bartlett is the right man for the job.

‘‘It’s always a tinge of sadness, because it’s nine years I’ve coached here at Deni,’’ Parsons said.

‘‘It’s a little bit sad you’re not going to be involved with the boys anymore, but it’s time for a new direction too.’’

But it might not be all over for the legendary coach, with the club’s committee hopeful Parsons will remain actively involved at Hardinge St.

‘‘We hope to keep Gary involved and busy at the club, but in more of a support role to the committee,’’ Barlow said.

‘‘We will give him a chance to catch his breath and decide how much time he has to give us after a good summer break.’’