VAUXHALL Motors' manager Danny Holmes has explained how he has managed to take the struggling Ellesmere Port side to the top of the Northern Premier League West Division in his first year in charge.

It is a transformation that has seen a total of 15 players depart the VanEupen Arena, including forwards Conor Harwood and Lewis Buckley, with Holmes revealing how despite there being a good start to his tenure in terms of results there needed a "clean slate" as it was evident that "a lot of work needed to be done".

Holmes, head of private coaching company Elite Player Development and a former full back for football league clubs such as Tranmere Rovers, had been to watch the club "a number of times" due to his cousin Ben starring in a thriving midfield that had won promotion in the summer of 2023.

During this period the manager said he gained an understanding of what needed to be changed at the club despite some players having a "different opinion".

The 35-year-old said that he found this "difficult" as he looked to move those on, showing them footage that backed his feelings up.

Holmes said: "They really didn't have a leg to stand on and I've not been proved wrong by them yet".

It wasn't entirely his decision to move all 15 on though, as Holmes added: "There was good lads in the core of the group so there were a few that I was disappointed with leaving but they wanted to leave when I wanted them to stay".

However, as Holmes neatly puts it, he was never going to "beg" them for their time.

In fact, it is probably a good thing that Holmes "loves" recruitment due to the "many hours" he has had to put in.

Holmes said: "It is one of my favourite things to do and I've had to use my relationship with some players to bring them here."

"Thankfully there is a very professional set up with great facilities here at Vauxhall."

Former Tranmere stars Mitch Duggan, Jake Kirby and beloved EFL talisman Kevin Ellison are some of the men that Holmes has been able to attract to The Port with all going on to make a "really good impact".

Ellison, who at ten years Holmes' senior, sees his tally of five league goals only bettered by teammate Nick Rushton's seven strikes, has been especially impressive.

"He's a great example with the way he's looked after himself and the advice he gives people, "said Holmes. "He's probably got a massive future in management. He has been a massive breath of fresh air".

Forming such a good learning environment was of '"vital importance" to Holmes as he set up an "unbelievable" group of coaches, including assistant Glenn Rule, goalkeeper coach Paul Singer, brother Tommy, who Holmes has described as someone who "gives players a bridge between themselves and the coaches" following a successful spell as Colwyn Bay's assistant manager and physio Shirley Whittaker who is "unbelievable at keeping me in the loop with injuries".

Vauxhall had some putting them down as relegation candidates given their challenging first season back in the division, which saw them finish 16th, and with other clubs having more funds at their disposal, The Motormen's rise to the top of the league has been unexpected to say the least.

A "brilliant" first pre-season as manager had the players hitting the ground running in their 10-1 win against German opposition TSV Oberbeuren and with former City of Liverpool star Jawad Jebrin alongside Rushton, Holmes has been able to build a side who can "score goals from all over the place" despite playing a "little bit different to how we want to at times".

A special highlight was Vauxhall's 6-3 comeback win away at former manager Mick McGraa's Bootle side, who were tipped to be promotion candidates.

"That win proved we can have a good go at any side if we turn up and out battle them, which we have done", said Holmes. 

The loud vocal support that "shocked" Holmes in their 2-0 win away at Trafford on October 19 is testament to the challenges he, and the team, have been able to overcome so far as they have claimed 30 points from their 14 league games.

The Motormen are back in action this weekend as they face Mossley at home before two more fixtures against Avro and Chasetown.