AFTER getting their house in order behind the scenes, Pewsey Vale chief Lewis Taylor is hoping that his club will slowly but surely flourish on the pitch this season.

Vale shuffled their pack at the end of last term and manager Taylor, who also stepped up to the role of chairman, has hailed the galvanising effect former boss Adi Holcombe has had since returning to Ball Road.

Holcombe is back with Pewsey as club coach and one of his first major roles will be to ensure that Vale’s young players are integrated smoothly into reserve side Vale of Pewsey, leaving Taylor and vice-chairman Craig Wall to take care of the Sydenhams League first team.

“We’ve some good, talented youngsters at the club and it’s important that we nurture them so that they come into the Vale of Pewsey side,” said Taylor.

“Adi will be taking a keen interest in that but he’s also took charge of pre-season training over the summer and has been involved with the first team on matchdays – he’ll be with the reserves when the season starts.

“Adi has reinvigorated the first-team with his enthusiasm and drive and he has had a big effect on the club since he came back.

“Myself becoming chairman hasn’t really been that big of a change and I’ve also had great support from Nicky Reynolds, who has come in as secretary.

“We don’t really expect to be pulling up trees next season but if we can show improvement with our first team, in the Sydenhams League, our reserves, in the Wiltshire League, and our U18s side, I’ll be happy.”

Captain Ryan Banks will be fit to start the upcoming campaign, despite breaking his nose and cheekbone and fracturing an eye socket during a pre-season clash with Mere Town, whilst full-back Danny Kilderry has returned to the club as vice-captain.

Haydn Amor, David Cope and Gareth Robb will miss the start of the season through their cricket commitments but youngsters Dan Reynolds and Zak Messenger are expected to be vital members of the Vale squad.