PRESTWICH Heys manager reckons his club should aspiring to be like successful non-league neighbours Radcliffe Borough.

Heys are still waiting on planning permission before they can press ahead with turning into a semi-professional club and becoming members of the North-west Counties Football League.

And, Moran can see parallels with the position Radcliffe Boro were in when current coach Kevin Glendon and chairman Bernard Manning Jnr came into the club in the early 1990s.

Moran, who played at UniBond Premier League side Boro during his semi-pro days, said: "We have a vision to improve our ground, and move the club forward on and off the pitch.

"I will not stop driving this club until we have reached the FA Cup first round. I remember watching Heys play Southport in the FA Cup first round when I was a lad, and I want to bring back those glory days.

"This is the reason why I have so much respect and time for Bernard Manning Jnr, Kevin Glendon and the other people who have helped put Radcliffe Boro where they are today.

"When Bernard and Kevin came to the club, the stand was falling apart, the pitch resembled a sand-pit and the car park was pretty much non-existent.

"I live in Radcliffe, and the club have a special place in my heart. I aspire to Kevin and Bernard because they have shown what can be done with vision, drive, ambition and sheer hard work.

"We have a 47-year lease and I think we can emulate them. We have everything in place, and I really believe the town would get behind us if we had the opportunity to move up the semi-pro ranks."

Heys are still waiting for the green light from the council, but there was movement this week when the club were asked to do a soil survey on their Sandgate home.

On the pitch, things couldn't be in better shape with the undefeated Manchester Premier League team seven points off the pace, but with nine games in hand on the leaders.

Heys have been a victim off their own success, with game being called off through cup runs and the weather, and they were again frustrated on Saturday when their clash with Avro fell to the elements.

However, they will be looking to get back on track come the weekend when they host third-placed East Manchester.

"I think if we beat East Manchester then we have all but done it because I don't think anybody could catch us then," said Moran.

"But, I want the players to stay focused. We still have an unbeaten record to preserve and also the carrot of the Goldline Trophy final at the Reebok.

"It might have been a blessing that the game was called off against Avro because it has given people like Lee Connell, Paul Hinchy and Anthony Doran to shake off injuries and gives the rest of the team a break.

"I never mention tables to the lads, but they are well award of the great position we find ourselves in and I expect them to keep this club driving forward."