Ellesmere Rangers target fifth trophy of the season
New Ellesmere Rangers boss Dan Stevens will watch the club pick up their fifth trophy of the season if they can claim the West Midlands League Premier Division Cup.
Stevens has been promoted from youth to first-team manager, to take effect after tomorrow, but will still be on the sidelines assisting caretaker chief Richard Brown.
Brown took charge when Delwyn Humphreys stepped down, on the night the club lifted the Shropshire Premier Cup with a dramatic 4-2 win over AFC Bridgnorth.
A number of the players in that line-up played in the Shropshire Minor League Cup, Midland Floodlit Youth League Cup and Umbro Cup winning youth side under Stevens during the season.
They will figure in tomorrow's trophy decider against Wednesfield at Willenhall Town's Long Lane, as the first-team look to finish with 12 victories in a row.
Stevens said: "To get five trophies in a season would be an outstanding effort. If the team play like they have been, we have high hopes of doing that.
"We have put together some lovely football, it's just a case of what we have left in the tank. Consistency has been the key thing over the past couple of months.
"I have been working closely with the management for the last couple of months, making sure we sort out the appropriate squads for the first and youth teams.
"The majority of the lads came through the ranks under me and I have been delighted with how things have gone.
"In seven years, we have become one of the best sides in the Midlands, with regards to our youth policy. It just takes time, but a lot want to follow our model.
"Ultimately, getting them through to the first-team is what it's all about.We have the cream of the crop and they will be staying together for next season.
"I am confident the lads will improve on 11th place, that would be the bare minimum. In the next five years, we want to be getting out of the Midland Alliance.
"I have got ambitions to move the club forward and reach new levels. Let's aim as high as we can."
Brown will be staying on as assistant next season alongside first-team coach Lee Davis, while Tony O'Hanlon will take over as boss of the youth set-up.
On the field, the club face a battle to keep hold of star striker Marco Adaggio, whose 42 goals have won him the Premier Division Player of the Year award.
Stevens said: "We need to do all that we can to keep hold of him. He's vital for our plans moving forward."
