IT'S BEEN a long haul but, if John Bailey has his way, Nelson will kick of the first season of the new millenium among the elite of the First North Western Trains League.

Almost 10 years since they were turfed out of the league because of the sub-standard state of their ground, the Blues are knocking on the door for their first promotion since re-election.

The only unbeaten record in the league finally went last Saturday but Nelson are still well placed in fourth position ahead of this weekend's break for Challenge Cup action.

"The facilities are now geared up for First Division football and that's what we're aiming for," said player-manager Bailey, who believes his side can stay the pace.

"We are hoping so and in the next couple of weeks I will be looking to bring one or two new faces in to strengthen the squad.

"We have been hit by one or two injuries and we've got one or two suspensions looming. I've got one or two irons in the fire," he added.

Bailey previously bolstered his squad over the summer, signing Ian Lang and former Burnley player Les Thompson from Clitheroe, Mark Robinson from Great Harwood and Rob Molloy from Accrington to complement the nucleus of a side that finished in mid-table last season.

"I brought a few players in and success breeds success. Those guys have made a difference but I wouldn't want to single them out because it's been a team effort," Bailey added. "Also the guys that came in last season have had a season to bed in and that's beneffited them.

"I would also like to think I learned a lot from my first season as a manager. Things have turned round a little bit and when you keep winning a few games, confidence is high and people look at things differently."

Bailey replaced Ian Britton in the Victoria Park hot-seat and has since managed to combine his defensive and managerial duties - even though doubling up in the job goes against his principles.

"I have been playing up to now. It's a little bit difficult at times but I've managed okay. I still enjoy playing but if I brought the right peple in I would eventually take a back seat. I am a firm believer that you are a manager or a player," he admitted.

His current role extends even beyond that of player-manager and he plans to appoint a number two if the he can find the right man. "I put the strips out, peel the oranges and drive the bus. That's another thing we are looking at at the moment but it's got to be somebody who can give up their time," he said.

Bailey's work hasn't gone unappreciated, however.

Nelson's last two home games, one on a Friday and one in mid-week, have both attracted crowds of 200.

"The interest is mounting so it's up to us to keep challenging," he said, pin-pointing leaders Darwen ("the best side we've played"), Curzon Ashton, Woodley Sports and dark horses Warrington and possibly Bacup Borough as the main threats to his promotion dream.

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