Belboda and Robello take charge at Rangers
Marvin Belboda has taken over the reins of Southampton Rangers senior football team.The former Devonshire Colts and Bermuda winger has signed a three-year deal with Rangers and will be assisted by John Robello who knows a thing or two about winning silverware.During his watch Belboda has vowed to transform Rangers back into a formidable force in the Premier Division where they have struggled in recent years.“My short- term goal is to establish Rangers into a reckoning force,” he declared. “I want teams to fear Rangers.”Belboda reckons he has the resources at Southampton Oval to see his vision come to fruition.“The talent is already there but it just needs to be groomed the right way,” he said. “We have a lot of home grown talent that just needs somebody to show them the light and I want to improve the football up at Rangers.”Belboda believes he and assistant coach Robello are the perfect fit.“We feel we are a good combination and outside of football we are good friends so it’s like a win-win situation for Rangers,” he said. “With myself and Robello coaching Rangers can become one of Bermuda’s best teams.”Rangers have lost the services of defender Michael Williams and goalkeeper Adrian Burrows but managed to acquire former Bermuda and PHC striker Stephen Astwood and St George’s Colts’ forward Clay Darrell. Rangers stalwart Janeiro Tucker has also registered with the club’s Premier side after playing in the Masters Division last season.“Janeiro has turned a corner and registered for our Premier team so he’s coming to help out and will be making some appearances,” Belboda said.Astwood’s enormous presence is certain to bolster Rangers where he will be reunited with former PHC teammate Dennis Russell.“Stephen brings a lot of experience to the team,” Belboda said. “He has talent coming out of his ears and I just want the other players to feed off him and learn from him because I know he has something to give as well.”Belboda said he is looking for big things to come from midfield dynamo Travis Wilkinson next season.“Travis is one of the better footballers on the Island,” he said. “He is naturally talented and way gifted.”He also wants to see new signing Darrell elevate his game to the next level.“Clay Darrell is a young gentleman who I feel has a lot of potential,” Belboda said. “Clay just needs to be groomed and my whole thing is to pass on my knowledge to some of the younger players like him.”Belboda said he is prepared to lace up his boots if need be.“I’m sure I am going to lend a helping hand when needed,” he added.Rangers avoided taking the plunge into the First Division on goal difference last season.