Hillingdon Borough's bid to return to the Spartan South Midlands Premier at the first time of asking will be spearheaded by a player with a Ryman Premier winners' medal.
New Boro boss Ian Crane has snapped up midfielder Reece Grant, who was with Wealdstone when they won the Ryman Premier, and also spent time in loan at Crane's former club, AFC Hayes.
He is one of many former Hayes players who have followed their old boss from Farm Park to Breakspear Road, including Jerome Ecclestone, Paul Underwood, Lee McManus and Charlie Crane.
Crane said: “Most of these lads have played in the Southern League for AFC Hayes and also have Spartan South Midlands Premier experience, so we will have a good spine.”
However, Crane warned that Division One will not be a walk in the park for relegated Boro, and it may take some adjusting to their new surroundings.
He added: “We will do as well as we can, but we may need a period of consolidation, especially as this level will be new for both the club and for me.”
Meanwhile, Harefield United, who Boro left behind in the Premier Division, have appointed Jason Shaw as manager to replace Phil Granville, who has left for Hanwell Town. Former Harefield U18s manager Steve Green will be his assistant.
Club chairman Ray Green said: “We will be starting from scratch as most of the players followed Phil to Hanwell and only about two remained, but it happens, and we hold no grudges.
“It's a shame though, as another year might have seen Phil make the Southern League with us. It will be a young side this year, but we have a core of players who can hold their own.”
