RAVENS CRAVING SUCCESS
Stevens looking to complete Coalville job
ADAM STEVENS says he will be firing with all guns blazing when he plots Coalville Town’s new Southern League Premier Division Central assault next season.
The Ravens finished the last campaign in seventh – just one point outside the play-offs and with two games in hand – when the league was declared null and void.
The former Grantham Town boss accepted the decision with good grace but reckons it’s given his side added incentive to get the job done in 2020-21.
“At the time we were in a strong position, but I don’t think there was any other choice,” Stevens told The NLP.
“We’re disappointed of course, but there were a lot of other teams competing at the top and someone has to make a decision they know is going to make some happy and some very unhappy. It’s so difficult, but you have to look at the big picture.
Creativity
“The onus is on myself and the players to get as high up the table as we can, despite whatever financial worries there may be.
“Last year we played some great stuff but defensive injuries and missing a boatload of chances in crucial games were what cost us.
“We did play some cracking football, but it’s the finer points that need working on. Defensively, we were unsettled. That’s why we’ve brought in Chris Robertson (from Grantham). He’s a solid and experienced centre back.”
Finding the net less often than any other side in the top seven – scoring just 50 in their 31 matches – Stevens has recruited to strengthen the Leicestershire club going forward as well.
Young midfielder Connor Smith and experienced forward Rhys Hoenes, purchased from Loughborough University and table-topping Tamworth respectively, will bring some welcome creativity.
“He (Smith) can play anywhere which is fantastic for us at the level we’re at. I’ve been trying to get him in for a couple of years and Loughborough has been superb for his development as a promising player.
Dog-eat-dog
“It’s dog-eat-dog now in the squad for places. We have managed to secure the majority of the playing staff we wanted to keep on board and signing Will Dawes from Loughborough as well has brought in a lively midfielder.
“We have a great chairman in Glyn (Rennocks) who puts his heart and soul into the club. There are no worrying or unpredictable characters, the players are always paid on time and we don’t invest in what we can’t afford.
“We’ve continued to build behind the scenes, and it will become the family club we want it to be. You look at Leicester City as an example of a smaller side with a great internal atmosphere who have been able to upset the big clubs.
“The best thing for all of us is fresh air. We are back doing small group stuff and obviously it is a case of being as sensible as possible. We can’t wait.”