Romford manager Kris Newby relished the opportunity to return to the pitch as he led his side to an impressive 3-0 victory over Barkingside in the BBC Essex Senior Cup on Tuesday.

Fresh from a 3-1 win at Essex Senior League rivals West Essex on Saturday, the Boro boss was delighted with his side’s attacking display and hinted at some managerial ideas taken from appearing for the first time since captaining Romford to FA Vase glory last season.

“I think we had 14 changes from the squad on Saturday, but we were by no means a weakened side,” he said.

“We went out there and completely dominated the game. I think Qamil (Dervishaj) had one shot to save the whole game.

"With the windy conditions, we probably didn’t play to our full strengths. We were trying to use the wind a bit too much and taking opportunities from 35 or 40 yards to shoot because we had strong midfield behind us in the first half, and we probably could've made a pass or two extra.

"But ultimately, we’re into the next round, and we completely dominated them for the whole game.”

Having made a rare appearance for Boro, Newby admitted his emotions were running high after retiring from playing at the end of the club’s last campaign.

“I was like a kid at Christmas in the warm-up!” joked the former captain.

“I was running around like a headless chicken, enjoying every minute of it by being on the other side of it. I’ve got away with it because I had quality next to me.

"I know Andy (Morris) has got the legs that if I did get caught out in behind, because I'm a bit older now, he would've got around me, and we had a lot of boys in front of us with the younger legs to do my running as such.

"I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was nice to see how the boys communicate being on the pitch with them.”

Newby also suggested his management style might be influenced by the experience of playing alongside the group, benefitting the team going forward.

“I think only hanging up the boots myself last year has helped understand what players want from a manager," he added.

"That’s why I emphasise and base my philosophy around the idea the idea I’ll be the manager that I, as a player, would want. Being involved again on Monday has shown me I don’t need to be standing there screaming and shouting at them.

“They do their jobs well, and they just go about their business in different ways to what certain personnel do by screaming and shouting at their players to feel like they’re heard.

"I’ve got a group of players doing their talking with their boots and doing it the right way. That has helped me see that they do communicate from a better position - by playing with them.”

Up next for Romford is Essex Senior League action at strugglers Stansted, who have won just two of their opening nine matches, on Saturday (3pm).

*Romford Over-50s finished their Essex Walking Football League First Division campaign with a 0-0 draw against Beacon Hill.

Boro were given the points by Garons Park in their other match as the opposition could not field a team.

They finished in third place as a result and thanked NiBS buses for sponsoring them this season.