MANAGER Paul Smith admits he will be going out all guns blazing in an attempt to guide Bromsgrove Sporting to the Midland League Premier Division title next season.
Following a series of meetings over the past week, both the board and Smith agreed on the ‘realistic’ target of breaking into the top six in their first year at Step Five on the non-League ladder.
But after ending the Division One season as ‘Invincibles’, the Rouslers boss told the Standard he has eyes on the bigger prize.
“Some might say I’m mad to be saying this but I’m going to be trying to win the league next season,” he said.
“I have sat down with the board and they have ambitions of breaking into the top six which is a realistic target.
“However, I don’t enter anything unless I can win it and I will be going all guns blazing for another league title.
“There is a great group of players here and they are certainly capable of pushing for that as well as going on another good FA Vase and FA Cup run.”
Smith is now taking a week off before having one-to-one meetings with the current squad to discuss terms for life in the Premier Division.
Star striker Jason Cowley remains contracted for a further year after the clauses of securing promotion and Smith staying on as manager were met.
Midfielders Ahmed Ali, Liam Spink, Robbie Bunn, Reece Hewitt and defenders Craig Jones, Aaron Roberts and Daniel Morris have also committed to the club for a further year.
No departures have been confirmed.
Smith also revealed to the Standard he has plans to put more Sporting players on contract as well as strengthening his attacking options.
But his first point of call will be to find a goalkeeper as Chris Jay (groin) is awaiting results of an MRI scan and looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“The priority right now is to find a full-time keeper because Chris’ injury is showing no signs of going,” he said.
“After that I will be looking to bring in some new strikers as well as strengthening our wide areas.
“I have got my eye on two very good footballers and hopefully discussions with them will go well.”
There will not be much rest for the Sporting squad after their end of season trip in Benidorm, though, as Smith has scheduled the first training session of the summer on June 15.
“The squad is going to be back in training a fortnight earlier than most sides but I want to make sure we hit the ground running,” Smith added.
