Steadying the ship at Plymouth Albion

Plymouth Albion's financial problems have been well documented but they now seem to have turned the corner both on and off the pitch.Michael Dunford has a life times experience of how to run a sports club.

His first job was at Derby County in 1969 when a certain Brian Clough who was to go on to win the European Cup with Nottingham Forest was the boss.

Albion's new managing Director is no stranger to Plymouth having been Argyle's Chief Executive between 2005 and 9. He feels the rugby club have put last year's spell in administration firmly behind them and are now on the way up.

His background is in football having also had spells at Everton and Crawley. But his first job at Derby is one he'll never forget thanks to the club's manager, Nigel Clough.

Albion are currently fourth in National League One under head coach Kieran Hallett who took over in December following the resignation of Dan Parkes after five months in charge.

The ultimate dream is to one day be competing on a regular basis with sides like Exeter Chiefs.

Michael says:

"We'd love to think that in, I don't know, five to ten years we can be in the Premiership but the first step is to stabilize the ship as we've done under new owners and a new chairman.

"This season it looks doubtful but probably next year we'll be the bookies favourites to go up and get promotion into the championship."

The last few seasons have been a bit of a struggle for Albion. But somehow you get the impression the next few won't.