ANDY Crowther is looking forward to testing himself at Step Five following Droitwich Spa’s promotion as champions.
Crowther led Spa to the Hellenic League Division One title in 2024/25 with Spa to play at Step Five for the first time in the club’s history next season.
And Crowther is looking forward to the challenge ahead for him and his players at a higher level.
Crowther said: “With moving to the Hellenic League Premier Division, it brings some local derbies.
“It will be good to see the progression that we’ve made over the last few years, and finally pit ourselves against some top teams with us playing at our highest level.
“As a management team we are all looking forward to the new challenge ahead and also visiting a lot of new grounds.
“Between the group we will set our targets and push as much as we can, but the main thing is that we all enjoy it, and enjoy the ride that we have been on, and continue it to our highest levels.”
Crowther also revealed the club have held discussions with prospective new signings but wants to ensure the Saltmen sign players who will fit in well with the current squad.
Crowther added: “Currently all first team management and coaching staff are continuing in 2025/26 and meetings have taken place with the majority of the players.
“It’s all looking very positive at the moment.
“Obviously Perry Moss is currently on his travels until around November time, and there are a couple more chats to be had, but all in all I am happy with where we currently are.
“On the subject of new signings, there are some discussions that are ongoing, but again the players have to fit into our ethos and what we are about, so nothing will be rushed or announced until pen has been put to paper.”
The club’s management team and players are currently taking a well-deserved break following their promotion as champions.
And Crowther wants his players to push each other on their return to the club for pre-season.
Crowther said: “We are all taking a break from football and enjoying some well earned family time, even though it’s hard to switch off.
“The lads had their end of season trip to sunny Benidorm, and what a trip it was. There were a lot of laughs from a top group and a few stories for a rainy day.
“The lads are all due back at the end of June, which seems an eternity from when we finished in the middle of April, but I’m sure they are all chomping at the bit to get going and testing themselves all over again, this time at Step Five.
“Pre-season games are virtually all booked in, with just one date to fill at the moment.
“Like any pre season, the games are all about getting the time into the legs and for the lads to push each other and push for that shirt to start the season.”
