Ian Rowe aiming high at Sporting Khalsa

Five of those campaigns have been at this level and after securing four third-placed finishes, Rowe wants to take a step up in standard.

“I could say all those PC things about trying to compete and be in and around the top six, but I not going to,” he said.

“Make no bones about it, I want to win promotion. I have had enough of this league, and I mean that in the nicest possible way.

“I know my team is good enough to play at a higher level and I would love to get promoted but there are probably seven or eight other clubs saying the same thing.

“Teams like Walsall Wood, Boldmere, Romulus and Worcester are all very strong and it certainly doesn’t get any easier.”

Rowe’s planning for the season has gone well with a number of new arrivals complementing a squad that finished third last term.

Khalsa’s attacking options have been boosted by the signing of winger James McReady, from Brocton, and striker Josh McKenzie from Gresley.

At the back, full-back Lewis Worsey and centre-half George Taylor have joined from Lye and AFC Wulfs respectively.

And a familiar face has returned with midfielder Michael Perks back after a year out.

“We have kept about 90 per cent of last season’s squad and added a few,” said Rowe, whose side start at Boldmere on Saturday.

“The signings are a nice mix with a couple of older heads and some younger lads and I am pleased with how things have gone.”

Rowe is also looking for young guns, Harvey Cooper and Aman Gill, to build on the promise they have shown in pre-season.