HARWICH and Parkeston joint-boss Martin Warnes says his club have achieved their goal – and exceeded expectations – by avoiding relegation this season.

The Shrimpers have completed their Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division fixtures and look set for a ninth-place finish, although they could still be leapfrogged by Hatfield Peverel.

A mid-table berth represents a big achievement after starting the season with such a tiny pool of players.

Warnes and joint-boss John Fidgett have rebuilt the squad and, having kept a loyal nucleus and added where possible, they have won six and drawn six of their 26 matches.

Warnes believes bright times lie ahead, with other players having already made contact about joining for next season.

“We were more than happy to finish in mid-table,” said the former Shrimpers striker.

“Our objective at the start was just to stay in the premier division and anything above bottom spot would have been good.

“To end either ninth or tenth therefore exceeds all expectations and it’s very much a case of mission accomplished.

“We’ve struggled at times and we’ve had to call a couple of games off, due to not having enough players.

“That’s a real pity and not something we’re proud of.

“But generally speaking, the nucleus of our squad have given their all from start to finish.

“They might not have been premier division players at the start, but they’ve really stepped up and improved, helped by the introduction of the players we’ve brought in to bolster the squad.

“They’ve certainly become premier division players and they’ve really stuck with us and shown loyalty, which is pleasing.

“Some have had offers to go elsewhere but they wanted to stay.

“The future looks bright and we’ve already had conversations with players who have shown an interest in coming over.

“Hopefully we’ve had bigger numbers at pre-season training and it would seem people want to be part of what we’re doing here.

“There’s definitely something to look forward to and build on.”

Warnes says he has enjoyed his first season in the manager’s hot-seat, alongside Fidgett.

And he has thanked the club’s loyal supporters for their backing throughout the campaign.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first year as part of the management,” he said.

“There have been times when it’s been hard and I’ve been left tearing my hair out.

“But there have also been lots of highlights and lots of positives and I’m pleased for everyone, including our supporters, that things have gone well.

“We’ve been getting between 50 and 100 people for every game and our supporters are as loyal as any in the Border League," he said.

“More people come to our games than at some Ryman League clubs.

“That alone shows the potential here.

“Harwich have always been a big club in the area and people have been watching the team for years and years.

“We’re trying to take the club back up again but it’s a rebuilding process and it’s going to take time.”