Having missed six weeks of the season because of illness, Ken Ballard led his side to a credible finish and according to secretary Steven Parsons next season could be the year Staines earn promotion.

He said: "Although our form was mixed towards the end of the season, our general form throughout was good.

"We won three out of our last five games and if everyone stays fit and well we are capable of chasing a promotion place."

There was one alarm after Christmas with manager

Ballard suffering a brain haemorrhage that ruled him out of action for six weeks.

Parsons said: "Ken has come back well from his illness. The side managed well without him because we had Danny Pipe - who was manager of Hounslow and Windsor - taking over for a spell.

Having been top at Christmas, Staines fell away during January, which ultimately cost them dearly at the end of the season.

Parsons said: "We will go into next season with renewed optimism and I think that the club is well equipped for promotion."

Preparations are underway for a new complex to be built on the Wheatsheaf Lane site belonging to Staines football club.

The project, approved by Spelthorne Council, will

enable the club to improve the standard of the car park, dressing rooms, club bar and the stadium as a whole.

As well as improvements to the existing premises there will be a conference and health suite built to attract more people to the area and make it more viable.

"This will enable the club to be a more attractive proposition and give us better facilities," Parsons said.

"This is a big boost to everyone connected with Staines.

"It is a very exciting time for the club and we are very

grateful that the council gave the complex project planning permission."