Alvechurch forward Ben Stephens has set his sights on winning the Southern Premier Central title with his new club, aiming to replicate the success he enjoyed with his previous team, Harborough Town. Stephens, 28, joined Alvechurch this summer after spending two seasons at the Leicestershire side, where he played a key role in their promotion to the National League North and was instrumental in a notable cup run reaching the second round.

Reflecting on his move, Stephens acknowledged that his departure from Harborough Town surprised some supporters, but emphasized that the decision stemmed from a desire for a fresh challenge. “I enjoyed my time at Harborough, but we’ve shaken hands and moved on,” he said. “It was a good time to come here." He added that the opportunity to win the league again or at least secure a play-off position made the switch to Alvechurch an easy decision.

Under the guidance of manager Kyle Storer, a former midfielder with experience at Wrexham, Cheltenham Town, and Solihull Moors, Alvechurch aims to push for promotion to the National League, the fifth tier of English football, for the first time in the club’s history. Stephens praised Storer’s leadership during a demanding pre-season, which has focused heavily on fitness and tactical preparation. The club recently held National League neighbours Kidderminster Harriers to a 0-0 draw in an away friendly, an encouraging result for the squad.

Stephens, known for his versatility as a forward and attacking midfielder, highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum when it comes to goal scoring. “Once you get on a roll of scoring goals, you want to keep doing it,” he commented. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the league but expressed confidence in Alvechurch’s ability to compete and entertain. “There are lots of good teams at this level now, but supporters can expect us to compete, work hard and play some good football,” he said, adding the hope of scoring frequently to aid the team’s promotion push.

Having previously represented Stratford Town, Macclesfield Town, and King’s Lynn Town, Stephens brings a wealth of non-league experience to Alvechurch as the club prepares for the forthcoming campaign with high ambitions.