Soule returns with unfinished business as Stonehouse set standards to reach Severn Sport Shield Final
Stonehouse Town manager Ian Soule believes his side’s standards have been set ahead of the new season as they defeated Tuffley Rovers to reach the Severn Sport Shield Final, writes Sam Yapp.
Soule’s side secured their place in Saturdays final with a 1-0 win at Ben’s Takeaway Stadium on Tuesday night thanks to a fifth minute Alex Kibble free kick.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the effort they’ve put in from the training sessions to the intensity in this game.
“Here’s a really healthy squad with a few we wanted to take a look at, and this has given me a massive headache as we head towards the season.
“We are delighted. It’s still early in our development for this season but against a tough, streetwise Hellenic Prem side, we’ve really set our standard,” Soule said.
Against a side a division higher than themselves the Magpies put in a performance to be proud of putting Rovers under pressure right from the start.
Following a standard setting performance Soule looked further than Saturdays final setting out the ambition that the club could compete on all fronts next season.
“Anyone here tonight can see we have recruited well.
“It’s the old saying we’ll take one game at a time, but I think from what we saw tonight, we’ll be a match for anybody,” he said.
Reaching the final has already become an early achievement for Soule who earlier this summer returned to the Magpies for a second stint as manager following the departure of Craig Robinson.
Soule departed Shortwood United to take up the role with his history and roots attached to the club a soul reason for his return to the Magpies.
“I’m born and raised Stonehouse and last time I was here I did enough to get the side from the County League to the Hellenic,” he said.
He returns with ambitions to pick up where he left off and continue to progress the club through the divisions with the side in a good place to do so right now.
“I was delighted when I was offered the chance because I feel like I have unfinished business.
“I believe this club has massive potential from the size of the area to all the new developments going around such as the new houses. We want to get more bodies into here.
“If we can get this club into the Hellenic Premier, the progress will take care of itself,” he said
And Soule believes that winning the Severn Sport Shield could send his side in the right direction for more success this coming season with another test against either Cirencester Town or Forest Green Rovers under-18s on the card.
“It would be a fantastic boost to win this tournament and make a name for us because we want people to look at it and think Stonehouse are giving it a real go.
“It will be exciting because there will be young legs in either side that plays in the final which will be another great test for us.
“We’ll recover well and certainly be ready for Saturday,” Soule said.
The Magpies opponent in Saturday’s final will be confirmed on Wednesday, July 17th when Cirencester take on Forest Green at Ben’s Takeaway Stadium with kick off at 19:00.
The loser of Wednesday’s second Semi Final will play Tuffley Rovers in the opening game on Saturday.
