NEW Crewe Flyers head coach Ian Spencer is aiming for national success.

The popular outfit's stability was under threat when long-serving coaches Steve and Irene Milhench, who served for 15 years, left last year.

But organisers have moved quickly to install 29-year-old Ian, a former competitive swimmer who trained with Olympic silver medallist Paul Palmer, as head coach.

Now he has set his sights on coaching Crewe Flyers to become top-level performers. He said: 'I have been extremely impressed by the support I have received from everybody at the club since being appointed.

'This is an exciting time for the Flyers and I am committed to raising the existing high standards of teaching and coaching here.

'The club offers a superb environment in which children can learn to swim, develop many new skills and receive all the necessary support they need to compete at a high level.

'I ask for all swimmers, parents, coaching staff and the people of Crewe to get behind the Flyers as we move towards future success.

'I believe that the Flyers can go on to achieve success at both regional and national level. If you are five years of age or above and interested in joining the club, now is an ideal time with lots to look forward to.'

Ian swam for the Flyers for two years before moving to Lincoln in the mid-1990s, where he trained with Palmer and current internationals Mark Foster and Melanie Marshall.

After moving back to the area, he had coaching spells at Winsford and Sandbach. Now, after a four-year break from the sport, he has linked up with the Flyers.

Meanwhile, new sponsorship deals have boosted club coffers. Mitchell Homes, J Rubber Linings, Pegasus Mechanical Installations and ER Design have backed the Flyers.

Their cash injection has paid for a massive new club banner, and will also go towards the cost of advancing the training of the club's coaches. The club has also achieved the Swim 21 and Club Mark Accreditations.