Reynolds' call for rapid rise (From Ledbury Reporter)

Reynolds' call for rapid rise

5:10pm Tuesday 24th July 2012 in Football

MALVERN Rangers director of football Reg Reynolds is targeting a rapid rise to the West Midlands League Premier Division.

The reformed Royal Blues have retaken their place in Division Two with the intention of challenging for top spot straightaway.

Rangers’ new management duo of Carl Pitt and coach Bryan Craven have geared up for a five-game pre-season on the road.

They started last night at Premier Division side Bromyard Town and then have a tough task at Broadway United next Tuesday.

A trip to SPAR Mid-Wales League champions Rhayader Town follows a week tomorrow before games with Hinton on Tuesday, July 31, and Presteigne on Thursday, August 2.

Reynolds said: “We have assembled a fabulous newlook side.

“They have all looked incredibly fit and extremely keen to mount a challenge on the Division Two title.

“Pre-season has been as hard as it gets with fitness conditioning and ballwork high on the agenda.”

Rangers open their Division Two programme at Black Country outfit Wrens Nest on Saturday, August 4.

Nine of the club’s opening 12 league fixtures are away as they await the completion of their proposed new home at Dyson Perrins Academy, Yates Hay Road.

They have 10 local derbies with Ledbury Town, Malvern Town Reserves, Hereford Lads Club, Tenbury United and Bartestree all at the same level.

Meanwhile, Rangers’ reserves and Sunday sides have also been put through their paces with more than 60 players turning out for training.

The reserves won their first pre-season friendly 6-4 at Worcester Raiders with striker Dan Stowe grabbing a brace.

They will compete in the Worcester and District League under the management of Andy Pugh and Nick Price.

The Sunday sides will be run by Tommy Crocker, Nathan Wanklin and Matt Brookes with their seasons getting under way on September 1 and 2.

More information on Rangers is available at crosskeysmalvern.com or by calling director of football Reynolds on (01684) 572945 or 07958 176937.