SLOUGH Town joint-manager Jon Underwood cannot wait to compete in the National League South next season, insisting the football club is still on the up.
The Rebels will return to the National League for the first time since 1998 after their 2-1 win against Kings Lynn Town in the Southern Premier Division play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday.
Underwood admits to feeling relieved at finally winning promotion, having been beaten in the play-off semi-finals last season, and he is excited for the new challenge ahead.
He told the Observer: “The Southern League was a tough one to get out of so I’m relieved that we’ve been able to do so.
“We’ve been expected to win most weeks as one of the favourites for the last two seasons, but that will not be the case next year. It’ll be a really strong league and there will not be any easy games.
“We will sit down with the Chairman (Steve Easterbrook) and put a plan together.
“We will learn as much as we can as to what the National League is about, but also give the players that have got us promoted the chance to perform as this level.
“We will have a think about what we need to do and probably strengthen a little bit with a few new signings, but I don’t think there will be wholesale changes.
PHOTO: Slough Town secured promotion into the National League after a 2-1 win at Kings Lyn Town in the Southern Premier Division play-off final.
“Players have already made themselves aware to us so I don’t think we will have a problem attracting people to this club.”
He continued: “I’m very excited and it’s great to take on a new set of managers and clubs such as Billericay with all their money, the huge support at Dulwich Hamlet, plus big clubs coming down like Woking and Torquay.
“It’s exciting to be challenging these clubs but in terms of fan base and support, we’re already on a par with them.
“Hopefully season ticket sales and crowds will continue to rise, and that there will be more interest in the club now that we’re at a higher level.
“The club is still on the up and we are nowhere near what we’re capable of.”
Grab a copy of the Observer today for match action and trophy celebration pictures plus more reaction.
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