IAN LONG is convinced the prospect of Alvechurch moving home to The Hayes in West Heath will help the club become even more competitive.
The Midland League Premier Division runners-up this week announced a 25-year lease on a new 20-acre site on The Hayes, next to Birmingham City’s Wast Hills training complex – see page three for the full story.
Long believes the plans will provide a real buzz of anticipation around the club, and beyond.
“The plans for the Hayes will be of massive importance to the club,” said Long. “It has the potential to make us one of the biggest clubs in the south of Birmingham.
“The plans go beyond the first team, with more junior clubs coming on board.
“Everything is heading in the right direction and hopefully we will have state-of-the-art facilities.
“It should make my job a lot easier. Hopefully it will help me attract players.”
Meanwhile, Alvechurch expect to learn within the next few days whether they have done enough to win promotion.
The FA has been working out the non-league pyramid and deciding the Step Five teams to win promotion. Although Midland Premier champions Hereford will be going up, Alvechurch hope their record will convince the authorities they deserve to join them, although this appears unlikely.
Step Five has 14 feeder leagues to provide 12 teams to either the Southern League, Northern Premier League and Isthmian League. Should three or more of the leagues not provide any candidates, then the FA could elevate more teams.
Long has no doubts Alvechurch could make the step up but he is confident, whatever happens, the bulk of this squad will remain together.
“My lads want to play as high a level as they can,” said the manager. “But no matter whatever level we are, a lot of the lads have already committed themselves to Alvechurch.
“Hopefully the bulk of the squad will be with us again next season. I’ve had brief chats with the players but I will sit down with everyone in the next seven to ten days.
Alvechurch ended their league programme against Bardon Hill last night (Thursday) and still have the chance to add a second trophy to their cabinet as they head to Heath Hayes on Tuesday in the quarter-final of the JW Hunt Cup.
Sporting Khalsa await the winners in the semi-finals, although Long admits the competition could drag on what has already been an extended league season.
The final, to be played at Molineux, could be played at the end of May.
“Having a pre-season break is important but the JW Hunt Cup could be a bit of a distraction,” said Long. “There is a big incentive when the final is at Molineux but that might not be until late in May.”
Alvechurch bounced back from their worst performance of the season in losing 2-0 at Coleshill Town on Saturday by defeating visitors Sporting Khalsa 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Jordan Nadat went close for the Churchmen before playing a role in the winner on 67 minutes. The striker took on Dave Bellis’ pass and he held off two defenders before setting up Josh March to fire home.
