STANWAY Rovers director of football Angelo Harrop expects new boss Danny Slatter to seize his big opportunity at The Hawthorns.

Slatter has been appointed on a full-time basis after taking the reins temporarily following Terry Spillane's exit.

He will lead the club into battle next season and has been charged with the task of helping Rovers gain promotion from the Essex Senior League into the Bostik League.

Slatter was one of several high-quality candidates interested in taking over.

But Harrop believes he and the club's board have turned to the right man.

"Danny knows what we're expecting of him and there's pressure, of course," he said.

"There has to be at this level of football.

"But I absolutely believe he's the right man for the job.

"He's so passionate about football and our club and players in the area know him, which can only help in terms of recruitment.

"One thing is certain and that is with him in charge, we're going to be a very honest and hard-working side next season.

"I'm right behind him and believe that with his experience - both as a player and as part of the management team here - and qualities he's going to be an exciting prospect as manager.

"It's a big opportunity for him and, as a young manager, he's now landed what I consider one of the biggest non-league jobs in the area.

"I'll do everything in my power to help him."

Harrop says the club are primed and ready for a crack at promotion next season.

The recruitment process in terms of bringing new players to the club is well underway and the club could be in a position to confirm two new arrivals soon.

"This summer is going to be huge for the club," said Harrop.

"The work started two or three months ago and the recruitment process is going to be massively important in terms of bringing quality players to the club.

"It's exciting and there's so much going on around the club, including things like having our pitch renovated.

"It's also a massive plus to have the youth section back on board.

"It's as good as any set-up in the area and it made no sense to me to effectively have two clubs - our first team and the youth section.

"Now we've brought them together to create one big community club.

"The under-18s and reserves must be run correctly, to create a clear pathway into the first team.

"We recognised how important that was and now we've got the perfect structure to move forward and follow in the footsteps of clubs like Sudbury and Needham Market."

Although their season is now complete, Stanway have one more big date in their diary this weekend when they host a Steve Foley XI v Micky Cook XI match at The Hawthorns.

The family day will run from 12pm, with kick-off being at 2pm.

Colchester United players from yesteryear are set to take part in the match - with both teams vying for the 'Scallywag Cup' - and all proceeds will be split between Rovers' youth set-up and the Chaps Men's Healthy Charity.

"Steve's a great man and we're all really looking forward to what should be a very special day," said Harrop.

"We want to pull out all the stops for him, because unfortunately he hasn't had the best of health in the last year or so.

"In addition to the football, we've got live music, food stalls, a beer tent and inflatables for the kids. It should be a great and fun day."

Former U's players set to appear include Paul Abrahams, Martin Grainger, Tony Lock and David Rainsford.

Admission is £3. Children are free.