MARK Harper believes he has receievd the backing to guide Hampton & Richmond Borough to an instant promotion from the Ryman Premier.
The Beavers boss this week had his budget talks for next season with chairman Steve McPherson, and insists he came out of them positive about a swift return to Blue Square South.
Although he knows he will lose some players, he is confident of keeping enough which, with a few additions, will be challenging for the Ryman Premier title.
Harper said: “I am a lot more positive about it than I was with last season's budget, and I can't see it fluctuating like it did last year.
“Chats I have had with players already have been positive. I know I will lose three or four, as I know some are talking to other clubs, which you can't blame them for.
“But if I can add three or four too in key areas, and keep as many of the current squad together as possible, I believe we can go straight back up.
“With the budget comes certain expectations, but to be honest, the high expectations are mine. The chairman has talked about the play-offs, while the fans have been talking on the forums about consolidating, so there are mixed views around the club.
“What I don't want, however, is to become a yo-yo club. If it takes a couple of years to build some stability, then maybe consolidation would be the best thing.”
