Determined Owers hopes to succeed at The Lawn (From Stroud News and Journal)

Determined Owers hopes to succeed at The Lawn

LIKE an old pair of slippers Gary Owers has slipped confidently back to The Lawn.

Owers is happy in his surroundings and it shows.

He said: "I'm delighted to be back in familiar surroundings. Even when I was manager of Bath I kept in touch with the club.It feels like I have never been away and I'm determined to do well."

His firm handshake and immediate affable manner set the tone for a pleasant meeting with the personable 36-year-old Geordie, who Trevor Horsley has pinned his hopes on reviving Rovers' fortunes.

Horsley's working knowledge of Owers certainly paved the way for the appointment, but Owers stressed that he landed the job on merit after pipping Jimmy Quinn for the post.

He said: "I certainly wasn't handed this job on a plate. I went through the same interview process as all the candidates.

Owers is now preparing for a season that could see Rovers back in the Conference after Northwhich were kicked out of the league on financial grounds.

The Northwich curve ball is not distracting him as he tries to rebuild his squad.

He would like a squad of more than 18 players and is looking for a strong playing unit when training resumes on July 4. Owers will register as a player, but is unlikely to play a regular part.

"I'm not sure how much I will play, but I will sign a form.

"I'd like to sort a squad of players as soon as possible. I've spoken to numerous players already and I will look at triallists as well."

The former Sunderland and Bristol City midfielder has yet to name an assistant, but stressed he had to find the right man.

"I need to get the right person- it is a very important appointment for me."