PHIL Simkin is already looking ahead to next season, aiming to surpass the achievements of the past nine months.

After five years of being embroiled in relegation dogfights, the Magpies recorded their first mid-table finish since 2005/06 after placing 11th in Blue Square Bet South.

Although delighted with last season’s outcome, the county town boss is keen to see his side improve yet again when the new term gets underway in August.

He told Echosport: “You always try to better the previous year – that’s the name of the game.

“Other sides will be looking to do the same next season and there is never an easy game in this league and you have to be at your best to get a result.

“Hopefully the younger lads have got some experience under their belts and I’m sure bringing in someone like Jason Matthews will bring us a lot more stability.

“We’ll be looking to get off to a good start in the first few games and hopefully we will also get decent draws in the cups.”

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