As a former coach with the Saints Academy, Robbie Elliott is more than capable of guiding his brand new club up the Tyro League rankings, using his own, patented style of tactical, high-class football.

Or in his own words: "We try and play it the way it should be played. As Ruud Gullit says: 'Sexy Football!'"

Unlike many teams, Eastleigh Rangers, pictured right, seem to do better when they have a mountain to climb - their Doncaster Farm pitch, that is.

"We tend to play much better going uphill," commented the perplexed coach. "Our performance was a lot improved in the second half today; we did the technical stuff a lot better."

Elliott puts the team's impressive start to the Tyro League season - two games, two wins, 19 goals - down to a combination of hard work - and more hard work.

"We got together in July and had a rigorous pre-season," he explained. "It was intensive, but all that hard work pays off. Our sponsor has put a lot of money into the club, so this is the reward for him and for the parents who have supported us."

But what will be the rewards of manager Les Young and Robbie? What do they want to get out of this neat, professional club of their own, complete with a squad-numbered drinks bottle for each player?

"I'd like to see the boys go on to play at a high level of football," said Elliott. "I also want opposition managers to think: 'Eastleigh Rangers, what a good team. They're friendly and they play good football.' Les and I have put a lot of hours in. Once we get started, there will be no stopping us!"

So do the instigators of Eastleigh Rangers Youth AFC envisage hundreds of grey-clad nippers running about on Sunday mornings in the future?

It was the quiet man of the partnership, Les Young, who fielded this question.

"I think we'll give it a good two seasons at this age before we think about branching out," the big man confirmed.

It looks like the 'I have a dream' speech will have to put on ice for a while, then!

l Eastleigh Rangers are still on the lookout for under-12 players to bolster their squad. If anyone thinks they may be interested, give Les Young a ring on 07966 173433.