Following a campaign which saw the Tudors finish an agonising one point off a play-off place, Bateman is already on the lookout for new players who can add a bit of muscle to his side and strengthen their bid for promotion next year.

"We have had a season of three parts: a fantastic start, a disappointing middle and a strong finish." Bateman said.

"The nucleus of the side is more than good enough, but one thing I am looking to add is a bit more physical presence.

"I have had conversations with potential new signings. That said the current players have worked hard from the start from the start of the season, through our slump, and through the change in management.

"All credit to them."
But an emphasis on adding much needed muscle to his side will not change how his players play the game. In this sense, Bateman is well and truly from the Arsene Wenger school of management.

"We need a bit more balance but we are not going to become a long ball side. I believe that you should try and entertain in football."

He also believes that the state of the pitch can play a vital role in letting his side play the kind of football he wants to see at Vauxhall Road.

"I want it to be a pitch where we can get the ball down and play and get at sides.

"We have got to make Vauxhall Road a fortress."
In Bateman's opinion with these changes to the squad and the pitch promotion is not beyond them next year.

He said: "We have raised the bar in terms of expectations. We are an ambitious outfit.

"We nearly made it into the last play off slot but it's just not to be this year.

"I'm disappointed in one respect but hopefully we will be stronger next year for our experience."

And since Danny Nicholls' departure from the coaching set up does Bateman fear for his job? It seems not.

"The chairman has backed me 100 per cent, and the feeling is reciprocated. The pair of us are working really hard for this club."

The Tudor's last chance at gaining some silverware this season comes next Monday when they take on Oxhey Jets in the St Mary's Cup final.

"I will be looking to field a decent side. I want to finish off on as much of a high as we can."