BOWERS & Pitsea facilities manager Darren Scorey has played a key role in the club’s incredible success in recent years.

Scorey oversaw the redevelopment of the Len Salmon Stadium, which took place last year.

An artificial pitch was installed, while further seating was also put in place.

But it took a reaction from Bowers boss Rob Small and goalkeeping coach Wayne Franklin for Scorey to truly see the transformation.

“Wayne is now goalkeeper coach at the club and he also played for Bowers,” said Scorey.

“When Wayne and Rob Small walked into the ground for the first time since it had been redeveloped, they were blown away.

“But when you are heavily involved, you don’t see it.

“It’s a bit like when your kids grow up because you don’t see it and then all of a sudden they have grown up.

“The ground is like my baby and I’m pleased with the work that has gone into it.

“What we have achieved is unreal.

“We have gone from finishing bottom of the Essex Senior League and losing a cup final 9-1 six years ago to being in the Isthmian Premier League.

“A lot of the success is down to Rob and I like to think of it as he takes care of things on the pitch and I am in charge of things off the pitch.”

Scorey has been a regular visitor to the Len Salmon Stadium since 2002.

And the facilities manager has seen the club progress from struggling in the Essex Senior League to reaching the semi-finals of the FA Vase and breaking into the Isthmian Premier League.

Scorey has also been on the Bowers committee for close to 10 years and he is set for a busy summer as he will oversee a new stand being erected at the Len Salmon Stadium.

And he is pleased to see the club develop further.

“The whole stand is coming down and being replaced,” added Scorey.

“We’re going to have a 200-seater stand and behind that will be a building with new changing rooms.

“There will also be a big classroom because we have got the academy starting next year.

“It’s all going to the next level and it pushes us on as a club.

“We’re expecting all of the revamp to be finished in time for the new season and we’ve come a long way since we were having to beg teams like Grays Athletic and Canvey Island for pre-season friendlies - now we’re going into the league above them.”