Julian Jenkins says Ely Rangers still in with chance of promotion
Ely Rangers boss Julian Jenkins says his side are still in with a shot of promotion despite losing momentum in recent weeks.
After dropping from the top three in Division Three after their last month was over a month ago, the former Cardiff City Commercial Director says his side won’t give up on promotion after a turnaround from last season.
“We will always believe until it’s mathematically not possible. We have had a tough month. We will be giving everything we got to be in the mix at the end of the season.”
Rangers will have the chance to turn things around when they entertain Chepstow tomorrow night under the floodlights at their Wenvoe ground, Jenkins says he will have a complete squad to choose from and that the pitch will help them in playing how they want to play.
“I have a complete squad to pick from which is a nice headache for me. We have a good home record we like to try and get the ball down and we have one of the best grass surfaces in the league thanks to our ground staff.”
The Rangers boss has given a reason why his side may have been losing points over the last three weeks, with defeats to Caerau, Caerleon and Cwm Welfare.
“Looking back at those games we didn’t have the intensity needed to impact the game. I’m lucky we have a great bunch of honest lads and we are eager to put it right starting on Friday.”
Despite getting the better of Chepstow the last time out, Jenkins believes that Friday will be a completely different affair.
“I’m not one for historical stats, our last game has no relevance or bearing on this game. Every time you cross the white line in this division you have to be on your metal and this game is no different.”
Jenkins refused to be drawn on individual efforts but instead praised his group of players, mentioning that it is a tam effort.
“We have a great squad and I don’t like to single people out. Collectively we are very good going forward and for me the whole team can take credit for that. But as I said recently we haven’t quite hit the right note, but the lads are massively up for this game.”
Ely have most recently signed Pontypridd Town midfielder Mark Dunford, he will go into the squad for tomorrow’s game.
“Mark is a great asset to any club and he is a superb signing for us. We have a great relationship with Dom at Ponty and we would like to thank their secretary Rob for the pace he completed the forms. As a player Mark has bags of experience nice and quality and I think it is testament to this club how far we have come over the past 12 months that a player of this stature has joined us.”
