Rick Andrews: I can bring Bostik League football to Stowmarket

The Old Gold and Blacks handed runaway Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division leaders Felixstowe & Walton United only their second league defeat of the season last weekend.

And ahead of visiting ninth-placed Stanway Rovers tomorrow afternoon (3pm) for their final away game of the year, Stow boss Andrews says his side are in a good position heading into 2018.

“We’ve got a five-year plan which we started last year to get Bostik football here within five years,” he said.

“We’re a step away and I would like to think we’ll get there within the next two seasons.

“I’m confident we’ll do that.

“We’re putting a squad together and more importantly players want to come and play for us.

“We’re getting a good mix of young and experienced players and they’re a real good bunch to manage.”

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After winning the First Division to gain promotion at the end of last season, Andrews’ side endured a slow start to their first campaign back in the Premier Division, winning just one of their first six league games.

But since then Stow have been in excellent form, winning 14 of their last 19 league games and taking 45 points from a possible 57, form which has seen them rise up to third place in the Premier Division table.

However, a top-two finish may be out of their hands this season, with Felixstowe 21 points clear of the Old Gold and Blacks, while Coggeshall Town, in second, are five points ahead with three games in hand.

“I think you just have to remember it’s our first year in the Premier Division for a long time, and more importantly it’s a new team,” Andrews said.

“For me personally, it’s nice to see a club back with some belief back. I said that after we won the league, you could see in the clubhouse that the pride had been restored.

“You can’t run before you can walk, but we’re enjoying it and the way we’re playing too.”

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