MIKE Savage is backing the Bees to rise to the challenge next season when they make their long awaited return to the Toolstation Western Premier Division.

The Bridport assistant-manager is forecasting a tough campaign for his troops but is adamant they can hold their own under the guidance of boss Trevor Senior.

Savage told Echosport: “The fact we are back in the Premier Division is absolutely fantastic but the important thing now is that we step up to the plate again and do not just rest on our laurels.

“It is going to be tough, there are no two ways about that, and it is vital we get a good pre-season under our belts and hit the ground running.

“As a side, we are another year older and wiser, and if we can start the season well and continue the confidence we have gained from the past year, hopefully we can get a mid-table finish and consolidate.

“We have got good players who are more than capable of going into that division and competing. And if we can add a couple more over the summer to strengthen the squad then even better.”

Savage went on to add: “The top six sides in that league all pay out decent money and Merthyr Town will certainly be in amongst them.

“Even though we did well and got a draw at their place at the end of the season, they were by far the best team in the division and with the finances they have available to them, there is no doubt they will be even stro-nger.

“Financially, we are not in the same league as sides like that but we have shown over the past year or so that when we come up against the bigger sides we always tend to rise to the occasion and I am sure we will do that again.”

Senior’s success at Bridport has certainly not gone unnoticed with many people having recently linked him to the vacant hotseat at Weymouth.

When asked what is so special about the Bees’ supremo, Savage said: “It’s his contacts and wealth of knowledge.

“He knows an awful lot of people in the game and he has a great eye for a player because he has been there and done it himself.

“He has also learned a lot from the managers he has been under and he gets the best out of people.

“Just take Dan Peart for example. He is only a young lad but he has come on leaps and bounds, and hopefully next season he will be kicking the door down for a regular spot in the first team.

“And hopefully all the other lads will make the same step as well because next season it will be vital that we have competition for places.”