by Alex Hoad

Nicky Southall wasted no time at the end of the Ryman League, Division 1 South season setting his sights on next season’s play-off places as a minimum target.

Southall was appointed as Belmont boss in December after the departure of former manager Justin Luchford and despite a season he says was "tinged with disappointment and frustration," guided the Oystermen to 17th place and safety with 44 points.

Saturday’s 2-1 win over Three Bridges finished the campaign on a high and Southall (pictured) admitted: "I can’t wait to get going again. I know you’ve got to have a break but I’m desperate to get my teeth into things again."

He added: "We are too good and have too much talent to be down there.

"The play-offs are our aim next year. The teams in there are deservedly in there this year, but we beat Faversham 4-1 in their own back-yard and it could have been seven.

"We beat Folkestone and were disappointed not to beat Hythe recently.

"We have to aim for 80 points and if we can get somewhere near that, then we’ll be doing all right."

Southall added: "I’m into my omens. Faversham were 17th last year in Ray Turner’s second season after replacing Justin Luchford and third this season. Hopefully, we can be there or thereabouts where they were in a year’s time."

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