Ironton fully on board as Crows set eyes on promotion charge

The midfielder was in demand during his time with Southern League Division One Central Welwyn Garden City with a number of suitors from a similar level to the Crows.

But it was Steve Castle's men who won the race and with all eyes at Garden Walk set on reaching the National League South, Ironton is more than prepared to play his part.

He said: "It was always an ambition of mine to make the step up and play the league above. The opportunity came along and Royston are a good club so I’m looking to push on.

"It’s a long old season and we have a lot of travelling in this league but play-offs is the ambition.

"And with the boys we have in and are assembling, there is no reason why we can’t be up there and pushing.

"That’s what the club wants, that’s what the manager wants, and it is good to be part of.

"I want to win things so we’ll see how we go."

The move means he no longer under the management of dad Nick, although he sees plenty of similarities with his new gaffer.

“They are not too different to be fair,” he said with a smile. "They both shout a lot but that’s what I’m used to.

"Steve has played at a high level as well, there’s a different management style in some aspects but everyone is different.

"You just have to adapt and give it your all.

"I’ve been here for a month now, played a fair few games too, so I feel like I have fitted in nicely.

"You want to play with players that you know.

"It wasn’t an easy choice at all. I was grateful to have a few good offers but everything needed to fit into place and Royston fits in nicely with my plans."

But while he now fully focuses on the job in hand, there is a thought for his former employers at Herns Lane.

He said: "I was there for four years and they were great years, all the boys I played with were unreal.

"It was a disappointing end to last season but these things happen.

You move onto a new club with new ambitions and you keep moving up."