BROMSGROVE Rovers hope to start the New Year with a bang as they prepare for their biggest Midland Football Alliance game of the season so far.

The Greens visit league high-flyers Stratford Town on Saturday knowing that defeat could seriously hamper their chances of promotion.

After the management team of Jon Ford and Gary Hackett recorded two wins in their first two games, chairman Tom Herbert said he was exploring the possibility of keeping the duo in charge and appointing a director of football.

Hackett said: "The more help you get at a football club, the better. The bottom line is we must keep getting results.

"Stratford are the team to catch and this is a vital game. But win, lose or draw there are still 60-plus points to play for.

"We are a confident team and we fear no-one although we must have a healthy respect for our opponents."

The bad news about Mark Clifton's injury against Halesowen Harriers has been softened by the return of Matt Coppin and leading scorer Sam Bowen.

But former Greens favourite Steve Taylor has returned to Evesham United after just one game back at the Victoria Ground - when he scored in the 3-1 win against Quorn.

Hackett said he hoped 2002 would be a successful year at Bromsgrove.

He added: "I was here at the end of last season and the club was in disarray. It's completely different now and there's a feel-good factor here.

"Being involved with a football club is like going on a roller coaster ride. Our aim is to get the club whizzing in the right direction at quite a speed.

"A lot has been said about me and Jon being in a temporary role but we are in control of team affairs and we've been told to win matches and take the club as far as we can."

Tom Herbert said he still hadn't spoken to the man who he wanted to take the reins at the Victoria Ground.

He added: "Gary and Jon are doing a great job. We might consider keeping them as joint managers and bringing in a director of football. We are looking at every angle."

Herbert also urged anybody who can help the Rovers financially to ring the club on (01527) 876949.

An unpleasant incident during the 2-1 win at home to Halesowen on December 22 is due to be discussed at the next Rovers board meeting.

Harriers player Phil Bridge had to be restrained from jumping into the crowd after receiving some abuse when he was sent off.