A CUP winner’s medal and a second place finish would no doubt satisfy some managers.
But for Bromsgrove Sporting boss Paul Smith there was still an empty feeling which he was keen to fulfil this season.
The Rouslers capped off an impressing campaign by winning the Les James Challenge Cup on a memorable evening at the Bescot Stadium in Walsall.
However, Sporting’s failure to usurp Highgate United at the top of the Midland Football League Division One table left Smith wanting more.
And after a strong pre-season of competitive football and summer signings, Smith, who joined the club in August last year, believes he has got a squad good enough to go that one step further.
“Without a shadow of a doubt this squad is stronger than anything I have put together before,” he said.
“I said in October last year that what I put together was the strongest I have had. But now I believe this is stronger than what I had last year.
“Time will tell, but I am very happy with what we have got and I am really happy with the lads’ attitudes which is more important than anything else.
“What is important for fans, board members, staff and players alike to realise is we have got a group here that want to be here.
“I want competition for places. We had it for most positions last year, but now we have got it for all places this year and it is tremendous to have as it will only bring the best out of all the players.”
This increase in competition did not sit well with some players as keeper Jake Bedford notably stormed out of the Victoria Ground to join Lye Town.
However, Smith said this created opportunities for Shaun Edwards and Brendan Bunn who have both agreed deals at the club.
“We want to talk to players that want to be part and parcel of this football club,” he said.
“Brendon Bunn fits that mould. He was first choice at Stourport last season and had a choice of five clubs to join. Four of those were going to make him number one.
“Now I have not offered him the number one spot as I have offered him a shot at it with Shaun (Edwards).”
Sporting will be looking to avoid a third successive runners up spot and Smith said he was determined to end the club’s wait for a promotion.
“I have finished runners up and I am looking to try and go one better this year,” he added,
“Since we got back, we have had 19 training sessions and six or seven games.
“But the proof will be in the pudding.
“Effort-wise I can’t knock. I have put a squad together that’s very good on paper, so it is just a matter of the plan coming together.”
