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THE way our season ended in the play-offs at Halesowen was a bitter pill to swallow.

For the first game against them we prepared properly, we looked fired-up and they couldn't cope with us.

Then the weather let them back in as they were able to address a couple of things for the next game last Thursday.

But we still went 1-0 up and at that point I thought we would sneak it.

But some poor refereeing decisions cost us the game in the end.

Their lad was offside for the first goal, and then Ross Adams fouled their player in the box when he looked to be going away from goal.

I think his sending off was very harsh, and I saw an identical scenario in the final on Saturday when Team Bath's captain brought down a Halesowen striker but was not sent off.

Team Bath of course went on to win, and it is these inconsistencies that upset you.

The lads have been absolutely brilliant this season, they've probably even over achieved.

I brought in a bunch of lads with potential, with a view to the longer term.

They have proved they are capable and now we can look at continuity and stability.

I signed ten players last season but I think we now only need three or four, because we want to work with the players we've got.

I've got a list of eight players I want, but I'll only get a few of them.

I've spoken to a couple of lads from leagues below, as well as consistent performers in our league and lads from a higher level, so it's a wide variety.

But it's going to be an even tougher league next year.

There are ten or 12 teams with far bigger budgets than we've got.

Money doesn't buy you success but it gives you a strong platform to build from.

We'll be a side with a mid-table budget but we'll have to try and prove our worth and maybe achieve something.

My backroom team of Tommy, Kempy and Paul Summers will stay the same.

What they have brought to the table this season has been fantastic.

They've given me guidance when I've needed it, because I'm not the finished article by a long way, and I couldn't have been as successful without them.

Most of the lads want to stay for next season too so we're pleased.

The players have gone off for the summer now and they will have to return at a certain level of fitness.

I haven't arranged a date for pre-season yet but I know we are playing Swindon Town at home on July 29.

I would like to thank the supporters for sticking with me and the team throughout the season, especially away at Halesowen.

I just hope they stick with us next year because we're going to try and progress again.

10:41am Thursday 8th May 2008

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