PORTLAND United chairman Matt Lucas is confident boss Kyle Critchell and assistant Jamie Symes are happy at the Blues despite the pair’s success.

Critchell and Symes have built on the foundations laid by previous management duo Franklyn Clarke and Sam Poole, taking the islanders to within sight of the Wessex League Premier play-off spots.

Portland have also reached the FA Vase second round and Lucas admitted he would not be surprised if rival clubs were monitoring the pair’s progress.

“To be perfectly honest it’s not something we’ve spoken about,” he told Echosport.

READ MORE: Kyle Critchell joins Portland United as new manager

“We have a mutual understanding and the lovely thing with Kyle, Jamie and the whole management is the committee’s vision is very much aligned with our management.

“That helps a great deal and I know that Kyle, Jamie and the management team are very happy in their roles.

“At the same time, I could totally understand why another club would like to have their services.

“Ultimately, they’re excellent man managers, very organised and professional in their approach, very community minded in what we’re trying to do as a club, turning our club into a hub on the island and making it a good place to be.

“We’ve seen great attendances this year, that’s down to great performances and exciting games but also because the people there make it a pleasurable place to be.

“The fact we’re all aligned and working to the same aim and plan makes it a happy ship.

“As I often say, to be a collective is the most important thing. If you start doing things in little groups and there’s off-shoots here and there, that makes for a fractured club.

“As long as we can keep everyone working together and in the collective, we will continue to build and grow. I’m convinced exciting times are there for Portland United as we move forward.”