STUART Peace said he is looking forward to a crack at the BGB Southern League top-flight after agreeing to stay on as manager for another season.

Peace, who has been boss of the Railwaymen for the past five seasons, said after his side’s play-off victory against AFC Totton in May, that he would be sitting down with the board to discuss his future.

However, he is now relishing taking his side into the unchartered waters of the Premier Division.

He said: “I had to weigh things up. There are budget restrictions which you expect.

“But these are difficult times for football clubs at the moment and it’s going to be a big challenge.

“There are people working very hard for the club and that’s one of the reasons why I’m staying – out of respect to them.

“I want to give it another shot. I’m not going to set ourselves targets, because I don’t think we’ll be challenging at the top, but we’ll be giving it our best shot.

“But the higher up you get in football, there is more to do on and off the pitch.”

Peace added: “I am confident that the majority of the players from last season will stay and, with a couple of new additions, we should be able to look forward to the new campaign with confidence.

“I am trying to get as many players signed on as possible, rather than wait until the end of the summer.

“I think we need another defender and a new forward – we have almost agreed terms with one.

“I can’t go mad with signings, but we’re looking to bring in two or three more so that the other players don’t rest on their toes.

“I do believe that we will be able to put out a competitive side when the season starts.”