RANGERS are threatening to hijack a Wheway spot. Coach Mac Gallienne is aiming high and for a repeat of his side’s unexpected exploits the season before last – and he would regard not realising that goal as a failure on his part.

‘A Wheway spot is the objective and to finish in the top three in whatever position. Personally, if we did not achieve it, I would see it that I have not done my job properly,’ he admitted.

Sportingbet have quoted Rangers at 40/1 for the Priaulx League – which their coach is adamant is ‘silly odds for us’.

Rangers will arguably have the best strike partnership in Guernsey football in livewire new signing Jon Veron and young lightning-quick island forward Ross Allen.

If the rest of the team can deliver productive service, it could spell trouble for their opponents and provide a deadly combination.

‘This is the best squad Rangers have had since I have been here and this is my fifth season,’ said Gallienne.

‘Last season was a complete blip and we want to continue on from the Wheway season when we got third spot. We want to finish as high up the table as possible.

A Wheway spot is possible and a couple of good cup runs.’

‘The squad has improved no end – you have got to give yourself an honest assessment of what you can achieve and there was a multitude of reasons why we did not perform last season,’ he admitted.

Club skipper Dave Parrott, Phil Sarl, Duncan Flint and Mark Elliott are all back from injury and Marc Isabelle, Jon Mortimer and Ross Cowdrey have returned from travelling. Skilful midfielder George Prow will add competition for a start to leave the coach spoilt for choice.

He described Veron as ‘a fantastic signing’ who has given a big ‘boost to the club’.

‘It’s not only about him – we have eight players who were away last season who are back. This season George is looking very good in training and is a very gifted player. We now have competition all over the park and with that you get hunger. It’s a fight for places,’ he said.

The real strength is the forward line and Rangers are also hoping to get a full season out of Andy Chamberlain.

‘He is absolutely buzzing at the moment and he has not had one knock yet,’ said Gallienne, who is keeping fingers crossed.

Iain Lowe and Shane Billien will also be looking to cement places in forward positions.

‘Jon Veron and Ross Allen don’t have to play up front – the system and personnel are up to me and we can play different systems if we want to,’ stressed the coach.

‘The more they score, the better – as long as they have got the hunger, I’m happy. They both score for fun – let’s see if they can do it together in the Priaulx League.’

At least 20 players have been training twice a week.

‘I think we have had a good pre-season and they are physically fit and the comeback from the players has been good. It’s nice to have a full contingent,’ he said.

The St Andrew’s pitch has been re-laid by Nick Russell and the club are aiming to make it a fortress.

‘He has done a fantastic job – we are very happy with it and it will be ready for North and the first game of the season.

‘A decent home pitch is an advantage to any team – it makes the game nice and tight and gives us an advantage. We like to think we can make it hard for teams up here and pick up as many points as possible,’ said Gallienne.

He believes the summer moves around the clubs will revitalise and freshen up the local game, that has been stagnant and largely predictable for a few years.

‘Everyone from Rovers upwards can beat anyone on their day.

I don’t think you can pick out a Priaulx winner early this season. I think it’s probably one of five teams and it would take a brave man to predict the winner this season.

‘If everyone gets off to a good start, I think Priaulx football will get a lot of bodies back watching. It’s got to be more competitive – it needed it. There are no whipping boys,’ he said.

He is more than happy that the club is making the necessary strides forward.

‘It’s exactly where we want it to be – we started off so back compared to everyone else – it’s almost a restart. People don’t see the progress from the outside but there is a lot of progress.’

Gallienne’s assistants will be Dave Brehaut, Shaun Lihou and John Robilliard.

‘We are a good team,’ he said.

He is hoping that will be repeated out on the park.