Dean Gill maps out his promotion target

With four teams set to go up from the West Midlands League Premier Division, Gill, having overseen a third-placed finish last term, knows many consider them the favourites to go up.

And he does not mind that.

“I don’t mind putting it out there, at all, promotion is the aim for us,” said Gill.

“If we don’t finish in the top four, it’s a failure. That’s just how it is.

“We finished third last season and the top two went up, so, theoretically, that leaves us top.

“Wolverhampton Sporting are back in the division and have signed some really good players too, but we fancy our chances and believe we can progress.”

Gill, who managed Wednesfield before Casuals, has a background in youth football and many of his players have risen through the age groups with him over several years.

And he added: “They’ve got to be good, but young players can play how we want to play – for no money.

“You’ve got teams at this level, and even below, paying money, but we’re not.

“We’re still looking for players, but if they’re not better than our young lads, we won’t bother.”

Casuals have retained skipper Josh Jones and signed ex-Sporting Khalsa man Vidal Hendrickson, while Gill’s son Lewis also plays for them.

Matt Lovatt has added added a few familiar faces to his Dudley Town pack.

Lovatt, who is relishing the chance to manage at Premier level for the first time after leaving Division One outfit Sikh Hunters to take up the reins at Dudley, has completed a summer raid on his former club.

Justin Nisbett, Ashley Smith, Dan Jones and Connor Archer have all followed Lovatt to the Robins.

Lovatt has been pleased with the pre-season preparations and is keen to improve on last season’s mid-table finish.

“We finished our pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Walsall Wood in midweek and that will have given the lads some confidence,” said Lovatt.

“We are looking in good shape. I have brought been a few players with me from Sikh Hunters and they are more than capable of making the step up.

“And I have also added a bit more quality with Ross Clarke coming in from Cradley and Joe Bevan from Pershore.

“We want to improve on last season’s 10th-place and you have to be aiming for the top six because that brings a place in the FA Cup.”

Newly-promoted Worcester Raiders are first up for Dudley, and they are a side Lovatt knows well.

“We start at home with Worcester Raiders and I know all about them from last season when I was at Hunters,” he said.

“They are a very physical side but I think we have a side that doesn’t just play attractive football, but can mix it as well when required.”

Cradley Town boss Chris Butts will be looking to build on a positive summer when his side kick off at Shifnal tomorrow.

Butts has overseen an impressive recruitment drive that has strengthened his Beeches View pack while their have been a number of encouraging performances in the warm-up games.

Former Oldbury United boss Butts has raided his old club to land experienced keeper Adam Marusiak while midfielder Jordan Smart, full-back Lucas Muckley, striker Dominic Strevens, midfielder Shane Grainger and Darren Whitley have also checked in.

And Butts is hoping he has unearthed a gem in ex-Barnt Green man Strevens.

“It’s been a good summer recruitment wise,” said Butts. “I went hunting for certain players and we have managed to get them.

“I think we may have a gem in Dominic. I wanted him last season but he chose to stay at Barnt Green.

“He has got pace, he makes good runs and he can finish.

“We wanted to add a bit of experience and we have done that by bringing Adam and Darren in.

“I am very happy with the players we have brought in.”

And there was more positive news for Butts with the club tying Kieran Day and Joe Hawkins down on contracts.

“There has been a lot of interest in Kieran and Joe after the way they performed last season,” said Butts. “I believe they could play two of three levels higher so the fact that we have got them on contract is great news.”

Cradley were second-bottom when Butts took charge in October last year and he guided them to an impressive 11th-placed finish.

And he is setting his sights higher this season.

“It’s going to a tough league but I would like to aim for the top six because that usually earns you an FA Cup spot,” added Butts.