COLCHESTER United legends Kem Izzet and Karl Duguid can sprinkle their managerial gold dust in the Football League.

That's the view of Stanway Rovers director of football Michael Pulford, who believes the pair are conjuring up "something special" at The Hawthorns.

Manager Izzet and assistant Duguid, both former U's captains who made over 400 appearances and were inducted into the club's Hall of Fame, have inspired a remarkable run of form since taking over at the ambitious Thurlow Nunn League outfit last May.

And Pulford believes it is only the tip of the iceberg, in terms of what they can achieve in the game.

He sees no reason why they cannot emulate Danny and Nicky Cowley, who cut their managerial teeth at Concord Rangers and Braintree Town and are now in charge at League Two Lincoln City.

"It's amazing how far we've come this season and I feel we're witnessing something special here at Stanway," Pulford told the Gazette.

"I've worked with some great people and coaches in non-league football but these two have definitely got something about them.

"I seriously think they could emulate the Cowley brothers.

"They have ambitions to manage at a higher level and, of course, we'd love it if they could achieve those goals with Stanway.

"Without doubt, they have the pedigree to operate at a higher level and of all the people I've worked with, these two have the most potential.

"They've got tactical nous but it's also refreshing to see the way they motivate people, both on a one-to-one basis and collectively.

"They've achieved so much in the game and now they're bringing those levels of quality and professionalism to non-league.

"They've got a wealth of knowledge and experience but they're also down to earth and know how to deal with people and meet the players' needs.

"They put on high-quality training sessions which are well-organised and structured and their communication skills are second to none.

"They are very clear about how they want to play and what they want to achieve and the players are buying into that.

"They work well as a duo and have a great relationship.

"They have their own individual strengths but when you marry everything together, it creates a very special dynamic."

Stanway's recent run of form makes impressive reading.

After a massive overhaul of players in the summer, it was no surprise that they got off to a tricky start, winning just two, drawing one and losing seven of their opening ten league matches.

However, in the next 19 - up to and including Saturday's 4-1 romp against Ipswich Wanderers - they have won 12.

That spell includes seven wins in their last eight, with the added bonus of five clean sheets.

In those first ten games they only scored 11 goals, conceding 19, while in the 19 since they have netted 38 times and only been breached on 17 occasions.

The upshot is that they have pocketed 41 points from a possible 57 - form that has driven Rovers to fifth place in the Thurlow Nunn League table.

"It's no great surprise that we got off to a difficult start," added Pulford.

"We were working with a completely fresh piece of paper, in terms of the turnaround of players, and it was always going to take time for the squad to gel.

"But it's been an incredible run and we'd definitely like to finish in the top four or five.

"That, in addition to the fact we've got a cup quarter-final to come, could make it a very exciting second half of the season."