Express & Star

Wayne Spicer aims to be in the title mix

Black Country Rangers boss Wayne Spicer fancies his side as a league title contender this year.

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It will be Spicer’s first full campaign in charge having taken over the managerial role halfway through last season.

He revealed Rangers have been focusing on technical football during pre-season rather than just fitness.

Spicer said: “Pre-season has gone well. The lads have been put through their paces but instead of training on fitness, we have been focussing on football movements.

“The lads have been getting their fitness but through the movement training rather than running marathons.

“We are a technical team and that has been more beneficial, training that way.”

Rangers had to sift through 54 players before narrowing their squad down to the final 22.

They have kept a core of last season’s players including goalkeeper Richard Kennedy, captain Matthew Vaughan and striker and top-scorer Kieron James-Clarke.

Some of their new signings include Sean Smith, from Malvern, and Brodie Williams, from AFC Wulfrunians.

Spicer added: “If we can hit the ground running then hopefully we will be in contention for the league this year.”