Former Daylesford Football Club coach Phil Davis, who left the club in controversial circumstances only weeks before the beginning of the 2008 Central Highlands Football League season, has been appointed to the Newlyn position.

Davis is still reluctant to elaborate on the reasons behind his departure at Daylesford, and said he now wanted to focus on improving the position of Newlyn.

Newlyn finished ninth with six wins and 11 losses last season.

"I left for personal reasons," he said.

"It didn't work out like we all wanted and we moved on."

Davis said he was first approached when watching Newlyn play during the season by former coach Jamie Wilson and several other club officials.

They "sold" the club to him.

"I think they are a highly impressive club," he said.

"They are a very strong country club with a very strong work ethic. They have a very good culture and I found them to be a highly impressive club."

However, Davis is well aware of the challenge that now lies before him.

The club has not won a premiership since 2003 and the challenge will be improving the side to become a top-four powerhouse similar to Daylesford and Hepburn.

"If I had known I was going to be coach I would have had a lot closer look throughout the year," he said.

"They have got a lot of promising young kids. To a certain extent at Daylesford I inherited a pretty good list. Players tend to make the coach in some situations. Newlyn is going to be a lot of work.

"I think it's a challenge. I'm not really nervous about it but if Newlyn want to get ahead quickly they have got to really get out of their comfort zone of finishing middle of the ladder."

Former coach Wilson said Davis had the full support of the playing list and club.

"I think it's a good thing for the club," he said.

"I'm more than happy with it. There is a really big support and following for Phil in the playing group and everyone is looking for success."

Last night Davis met the players for the first time at a club barbecue.