IT has been an incredible turnaround in fortunes at Rhyl Football Club since the appointment of Mark Connolly as interim boss.

The Lilywhites endured a difficult start to life in the Huws Gray Alliance under Niall McGuinness, and since the young manager resigned from his position the club has enjoyed a new lease of life as they look to make a return to the top flight.

They have emerged from mid-table obscurity to genuine title challengers once again following their 3-1 triumph over Holywell Town, a result that now sees them seven points behind long time leaders Caernarfon Town.

Why it was not working under McGuinness may forever remain a mystery, but there is little doubt that Connolly has got the very best out of virtually the same squad and made them a force to be reckoned with once again.

The former Bala Town star has led by example both on-and-off the pitch, and if he continues to fire them up the table then the Lilies’ boardroom would be foolish not to offer Connolly the job on a full-time basis.

Nobody will be looking forward to facing this in-form Rhyl side and that speaks volumes for the complete change in ethos and attitude throughout the squad, who have collectively come together and In goalkeeper Rory Crowther they have one of the most talented stoppers operating outside of the JD Welsh Premier League, while the experienced duo of Tony Davies and Jamie Brewerton have been resolute at the back to add a bit of steel to the Rhyl rearguard.

The signing of Phil Marsh looks to have been an astute piece of business from Connolly, and he has also brought back Alun Webb into the fold which has also made a significant impact.

We will know a lot more about where the Lilywhites are going to end up at the end of the season over the next fortnight. They host a Porthmadog side that are capable of beating anyone on their day next weekend, before travelling to the Oval to take on the league leaders in what promises to be a pivotal clash at the summit.

This is a game they probably need to win to stand any chance of catching the Canaries in the long-run, but there will be no better time to play Sean Eardley’s men following their draw at Holyhead Hotspur and if Connolly’s men can gain another three points then they will be the ones with the momentum.

Whether they can achieve this remains to be seen, but the fact that they are in this position is a great indication of the remarkable turnaround at a club that are still highly regarded and one of the best supported anywhere in the country.

Connolly may have awoken a sleeping giant, and a return to the big time is now a realistic possibility after the club looked resigned to a season of abject failure and underachievement.