Bell has signed for two years after accepting the position on Monday.

The 33-year-old takes over from club president and departing coach Paul Millynn.

“I’ve been wanting to take over a senior side, it’s been a goal of mine for a long time,” Bell said yesterday.

“Diamonds have given me a fantastic opportunity to take over a really young, talented side.

“It’s pretty special to come across to a club like this.

“If I sell the vision to the players and they jump on board the sky’s the limit next year.”

Bell has been an assistant coach at Albury United under Scott Kidd for the past two seasons and was involved with Albury City before that.

He said he was disappointed to miss out on the Albury United coaching position after Kidd stepped down, with this year’s cup winner opting to go for another assistant, Adam Carty.

“Of course (I was disappointed),” Bell said.

“But after that I had to reassess my goals and values and Diamonds suit those goals and values.

“I told Scotty yesterday and Scotty was a true gentleman as usual and said he was bitterly disappointed I was leaving but understood my reasons and congratulated me.

“Scotty and I go back further than two years, we’ve been friends for a while so he understands me and knows I want this challenge.

“I am ready for it and want to grab it with both hands.”

Bell will be supported by reserves coach Richard Herzina and assistant coaches Alex Vaskovic and Steven Brunec.

Peter Milton will coach the thirds, Tony Cigana the senior women’s team and James Dexter and Brett Delphin the under-16s.