Lancaster boss Phil Brown has high hopes for the future

The Dolly Blues boss this week reiterated his desire to remain at the club despite what has been a tough campaign back in the NPL Premier Division.

After winning promotion from the First Division North as champions last year and enjoying a bright start to life at the new level, City have fallen away badly over the second half of the season

In the top half of the table for much of the first few months, just five league wins since Christmas has seen them finish in a lowly 18th spot.

In their final match of the season on Saturday, they suffered their 20th league defeat when they lost 2-0 at Witton Albion

Despite being disappointed by his side’s final league position, Brown is happy that the club have comfortably achieved what they set out to do – and that was to consolidate their position in the Premier Division.

And he believes the experience they have gained over the past nine months will stand them in good stead when the new campaign gets underway in August.

“I haven’t had a chat with the chairman yet,” said Brown.

“But it’s something we will be doing. We will be reviewing the season that’s gone.

“I think the club will have learned a lot from the first season back in the Premier Division both on and off the pitch.

“What I mean by that is in terms of what is involved in playing at this level.

“The extensive travelling which is involved, the level of opposition you are coming up against.

“It’s been a learning curve for everybody at the club, but I think it will stand us in good stead going forward. We will know a lot more of what to expect next season.

“I will be having a chat with the chairman and seeing what the resources look like for next year – and then make plans.

“We will have to look where we want to be come the end of next season.

“In terms of myself, I’m not looking to leave.

“Obviously I’ve not had the chat with the chairman and the Board yet.

“It’s out of my hands in a way – it’s not my decision.

“But we need to plan together and I’m quite optimistic that everything will be okay for next season.”