GRAVESEND'S pursuit of mid-table respectability in the Nationwide Conference will continue, manager Andy Ford vowed this week despite an easing of pressure to avoid the drop.

The Conference decision to expand the competition to 24 clubs next season and relegate one club this term has taken the heat out of the relegation issue -- though the FA have still to ratify the proposal.

Ford, however, refuses to be distracted from his personal goal of a mid-table finish.

He said: “This decision has still to win FA approval but anyway, so far as I'm concerned, nothing has changed. I want to see this club finish as high as possible.

“I don't want to be anywhere near the bottom three come the end of the season. I've got a single-minded approach about this and I want the players to have the same.

“Kettering, who we play on Saturday, could win all their remaining games and get out of trouble. Nothing can change until the FA says so.”

The vote for change was carried by 13 votes to seven with two abstentions. The Fleet were joined by Forest Green, Halifax, Kettering, Leigh RMI, Morecambe, Southport, Stevenage, Northwich, Nuneaton, Telford and Woking in voting for the change.

Against were Barnet, Chester, Doncaster, Dagenham, Hereford, Scarborough and Yeovil. Burton and Farnborough abstained.

Meanwhile Ford welcomed skipper Jimmy Jackson's first call up to the National Game squad for Tuesday's match against The Netherlands. The midfielder flew out to join the squad on Sunday.

“We're delighted because it's an honour for him and reflects well on the club,” said Ford. “Now we're keeping our fingers crossed that he returns unscathed.”

Craig Wilkins is expected to return from injury at Kettering on Saturday to boost a Fleet squad buoyed by Saturday's last minute win against Morecambe.

Fleet fans are reminded that Saturday's match at Rockingham Road kicks off at 1pm. The early start was agreed between the two clubs at the start of the season as it was thought a normal 3pm start would clash with England's match with Liechtenstein.