By Peter McKinney

BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Rod Brown believes things are slotting into place for his side to launch a run that could secure a play-off place in the Southern League Division One West.

The Rovers boss feels that despite only three weeks in the hot seat at the Victoria Ground he is forging a side capable of going up this season.

He said: "I've brought in good players who have improved the side and have given us a bit more muscle than we had.

"There are still a lot of games to be played and if we can put a run together I believe we can get into the play-offs.

"We have 38 points and there are 43 up for grabs, that means if we were to win all our games we would have 81 points. Last season Mangotsfield won the league with 83 points.

"We can still drop points and finish in the play-offs."

Brown must be aware that his new-look side has a mammoth task if they are to revive promotion this season.

After a well-earned point against Brackley on Saturday Rovers are 12th and 27 points behind leaders Ashford.

However, the Victoria Ground side does have two, and in some cases three games in hand over the sides above them.

Brown continued his rebuilding process at the end of last week by drafting in defender Chris McHale, who was released by Kidderminster Harriers.

Gavin Hurren has also extended his loan from Harriers until the end of the season, after settling in quickly.

Brown said: "I have tried to toughen up the side and think that the likes of Gavin Hurren, Chris McHale and John Snape will make a difference. They are all big strong players who can add something the team didn't have before.

"John Snape is a born leader, a winner who inspires the players around him."

Now that he has toughened up Rovers' defence Brown has turned his attention to adding some firepower.

His bid to bring in Gary Hay from Willenhall Town broke down, after he turned down a move to Rovers. The club has also put in a seven-day bid for Oldbury United striker Luke Reynolds. Brown was also in talks with Moor Green last night (Tuesday) to bring in Sean Dowdall on-loan.

The former under-18 Birmingham City hitman joined Green in 2003 and despite an injury plagued season in 2004/2005 scored nine goals in just 11 starts.

Brown also released striker Ben Porter and midfielder Carl Adams last Thursday. Neither had been able to hold down a regular place.

John Snape and Neil Davis are expected to overcome injuries to start in Saturday's game away at high-flying Marlow.

Player/coach Snape's playing chances have been reduced by a knee injury, while a calf strain has kept Davis out of the last two games.