Harte's appointment was confirmed by the Senior County Board on Thursday night.

The Errigal Ciaran boss got the nod ahead of fancied duo Eugene McKenna, who had been in joint control with Art McRory, and Brian McIvor.

But the new man at the helm is confident his long links with the county will stand him in good stead for what has been described as the most difficult job in Ulster gaelic football.

Harte has tasted All-Ireland success with the Red Hand county's minor and under-21 sides in the past and is familiar with many of the current senior players.

"I have had my eye on this job for some time and certainly for the last couple of years in particular," Harte told the BBC.

"You serve your time in management and I have done that at minor level for seven or eight years and then for four years with the under-21s.

"There is a lot of learning done in that process. The ultimate goal is to get a chance at senior level and thankfully that has come my way.

"I have worked with all but two or three of the current senior panel in the past, both with the county's junior sides and obviously with Errigal Ciaran, and cannot wait to do so again.

"I do not have too much learning to do with the players which means I can concentrate on endeavouring to get the best out of a very talented squad."

Harte realises he was up against tough competition for the job and is delighted he was chosen ahead of the other candidates.

"Obviously whoever got the job was going to have people supporting them and I have had a number of calls congratulating me and wishing me well," he added.

"I do feel for those men who were in for the job and did not get it, but I am really pleased that those who had to make the decision chose me."