FORMER Concord Rangers boss Danny Cowley will be managing in the Premier League within the next three years, according to a former midfielder.

Jacob Cleaver - who was taught by Cowley while he was a pupil at FitzWimarc School - was managed by Cowley and his brother, assistant manager Nicky, at the Aspect Arena.

Although the Cowleys guided Lincoln City into League One just two months ago, Cleaver feels they should be setting their sights higher.

“I have played for a lot of managers, but they are by far the best I have ever played for,” said Cleaver, who also counts Billericay Town and Great Wakering Rovers among his former clubs.

“Their attention to detail is fantastic and I’m not surprised that they are doing so well.

“I think they will be managing in the Premier League within the next two or three years.

“They were linked with the manager’s job at West Bromwich Albion recently and I think it’s only a matter of time before they progress even further.”

Cleaver first came into contact with the Cowleys at the Rayleigh-based FitzWimarc School.

After being taught by the brothers, Cleaver got his first break in non-league football while Cowley was in charge of Concord.

The Cowleys led the Beach Boys from the Essex Senior League to the National League South, earning three promotions along the way.

A successful spell at Braintree Town resulted in the duo moving onto Lincoln, where they have secured the National League and League Two titles.

Cleaver, 26, added: “They have been so successful everywhere they have gone.

“They have given their all to get to where they are now and they’ve come so far since those days at FitzWimarc.

“It’s fantastic to see them doing so well.”