BRANTHAM Athletic remain ambitious despite not applying for promotion from the Ridgeons League this season.

That’s the message from chairman Peter Crowhurst, whose club have decided against a possible move up to Step 4 football next season.

Brantham, who were only promoted last season, have taken the Premier Division by storm during the current campaign and currently sit second behind Wroxham, who have applied for possible promotion, along with Wisbech Town.

The club were visited by Peter Hutchings, the Ridgeons League’s Ground Standards Officer, to see what improvements would need to be carried out to bring the club’s ground at the Brantham Leisure Centre up to Step 4 standard before deciding against applying for promotion.

Crowhurst reflected: “The bottom line is our strategy is to build a community football club, and promotion to the next level is a huge step for the club. This time last year we were second bottom and wondering how we were going to stay up!

“We would need to do work costing �15,000 to reach the required standard by putting in temporary facilities on match days, but we didn’t wish to do that.

“We had a five-year plan to carry out the ground improvements we now have and we have got here in three years. We now need to think about our next five-year plan and have a managed progression.

“We are ambitious to step up, but we have to do it in a way that is sustainable.”

Crowhurst also paid tribute to Tony Hall and his management team.

“Tony Hall has done an incredible job as manager. His position in non-league football is understated.

“He doesn’t project himself in the media, but he has a huge skill set and ethics and is a huge character at the club. He has got his feet on the ground and is rock solid as a person.

“His whole coaching staff deserve praise for the club’s achievements too.”

This year marks the club’s 125th anniversary – and Brantham are planning to celebrate the landmark with a match against Premier League opposition.

It is hoped to stage a friendly game against Tottenham Hotspur to mark the occasion and also officially open the �400,000 facelift carried out to the leisure centre’s facilities since the end of last season.

Brantham are sponsored by Kensington, the mortgage division of Investec, who are Spurs’ shirt sponsors.

“We don’t know when this will be, but it could be it will not take place until next pre-season,” added Crowhurst.