Needham Market boss Mark Morsley says promotion to the Conference spells no fears for his club.

The Marketmen head into Ryman Premier division football next season after winning Ryman North last year and although Morsley is not tipping his side to get promotion to Conference South this campaign, he feels the club is in great shape to cope with anything future years may throw at it.

“We have just put together a new five-year plan and want Conference football at Bloomfields by the end of that time,” Morsley said.

“The team is at a good age, many of the players in two, three, fours years time are only going to get better and better.

“If our momentum from last season continues and we have a great next season who knows?

“It certainly won’t bother me if we are top-two come the last month of the season.

“In fact I’ll be delighted.

“This club is all set-up for Conference football.

“Everyone at the club is only interested in the best for the club. And that is so important.

“We are realistic with our aims, we own our own facilities and we have a good business model, as well as a great academy.”

Morsley was a recent winner of Ryman North manager of the year – the second time he has won it after winning it at Leiston.

He continues to want to set the bar high and would like to see more Eastern Counties clubs prepared to do the same.

“Suffolk football is looking as strong as it has for some time,” he said.

“Sudbury have a new 3G pitch, and I think they will want to really kick on this season. Jamie (Godbold) has a good squad there.

“Lowestoft have again done superbly, especially as geographically they are in a tricky position.

“Leiston have, in my opinion, the best manager in the division in Richard Wilkins, and Bury may have to consolidate a while but I hope they get back up soon.

“I would like to see more Eastern Counties clubs go for promotion.

“I often hear moans and groans about extra travelling in Ryman North.

“But don’t tell me travelling down the A12 to Harlow or into east London is any worse than having to drive up to Norfolk to Swaffham or Norwich United or along the A14 to Godmanchester.”