A CHANCE phone call persuaded West Brom youth coaching duo Colin Taylor and Mark Cook to take-up the managerial reigns at Northern Senior League Taverners.

Long-serving boss Dale Russell ended his 30-year tenure at the Nailsworth club at the end of last season, but still found time to head hunt a new management team.

Taylor said: “Mark and I had decided at the end of last season we wanted to progress and run a first team in the Gloucestershire area, we spoke to a few clubs but nothing really excited us until Dale rang me and said he was stepping down.

“We set up a few meetings with Dale and Taverners’ chairman Mike Stratford and it was clearly obvious to us that they were so passionate towards the club and trying to move the club forward.

“We also spoke to all the first team players and it was a very easy decision for us to take the job.”

Taylor and Cook have been coaching with WBA/Glos, who play their home games in Stroud.

Last season they worked with WBA/ Glos U18s, who won the Junior Premier League.

Cook added: “We coached the WBA Glos 18s last season and they were all fantastic footballers who will all play a high standard. "We decided to take five under 18 players with us to Taverners who have fitted in well with the first team.

"The main aim for us is to get the young players playing at the highest standard they can who include Tom Black who has played for Brimscombe & Thrupp first team. We think this young group can bolster Taverners already strong squad”.

“We will still be involved in coaching at WBA Glos so we will keep the youth coming through for the foreseeable future and our main aim is to get Taverners back into the County League as soon as we can.”

Meanwhile, the club have resurrected the second team and they will play in Stroud League Division Five under Steve Hurt and assistant Luke Stewart.

Pre-season training is in full -swing at the KG5 in Nailsworth on Monday and Wednesday from 6.45pm and at Inside Football on Wednesday evenings from the end of September.

The club always welcomes new players, so if you fancy playing for Taverners please contact manager Colin Taylor on 07954 137940.