ROYSTON TOWN president Alan Barlow hopes the addition of one or two players over the summer will give the Crows an excellent chance of gaining promotion next season.

Town finished third in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division after a successful campaign that only failed to deliver the ultimate ambition of promotion because of Chalfont St Peter’s near-faultless season as well as a dip in form from Paul Attfield’s side before the turn of the year.

But with the improvement of the squad throughout the season, and the potential for one or two quality players being brought to Garden Walk during the summer, Barlow is confident Royston can go all the way next time out.

“We set our stall out to win the league and it’s always disappointing when you don’t achieve your objective,” said Barlow.

“We got off to a really good start but inconsistency meant we didn’t really give ourselves a chance of challenging Chalfont for the top spot. But we finished the season very strongly in the league and we need to reproduce that next year.

“Paul (Attfield) knows what he wants in terms of adding to the squad and we’re confident we can retain the majority of the existing players.

“We’re all very happy with Paul. He puts his heart and soul into the club and he lives and breathes football. He wants to build a successful team and he’s done that wherever he’s gone.

“He’s always looking to develop the youth end of the club and bring players through, and as a board we’re more than happy with Paul.”

Barlow has been involved with the football club for over 36 years and he is desperate to reward the supporters and the town with a slice of success that, he hopes, will allow the club to grow and grow in years to come.

He added: “I’ve seen the good times and the bad at this club. We have a very strong board – Steve Jackson, our chairman is certainly one of the best I’ve worked with – and we believe we can put Royston on the map.

“It’s not just about the football, it’s about the community as well and we want to give the town that feel-good factor that comes with success in football.

“There’s been an underlying feeling since Paul arrived here that we have the capability to go to a higher level. We’re the best-supported club at this level by a mile and we want to deliver to our supporters, and ultimately generate more support through that success.

“I believe our current squad would give Hitchin Town and Arlesey (who have just been promoted from the league above Royston) a good game. I feel we could certainly hold our own in that division (Zamaretto Division One Central) and potentially finish in the top six.

“I just feel we’re missing a couple of ingredients but we’re not far off.”