Ryan Thompson believes his London Colney side are capable of winning the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division next season but only if the club keep and then add to their current squad.

The Blueboys finished second in the table this season after ending their campaign with a 25-match unbeaten run.

Thompson’s side ended the season behind champions Kings Langley but he believes there is nothing stopping his players going one better next term.

He said: “I’d be lying if I said they couldn’t win the title next season. We have a young and hungry group of lads who want to improve and progress. The only way they can do that next season is to win the division.

“They all want to play at a higher level and that drives them on. I can’t give the players enough credit; where we finished this season is down to them.

“They carried out everything we asked of them perfectly and they have a great team spirit. The reason we didn’t lose for 25 matches is because, no matter who played, they were determined to keep that run going.”

He continued: “Almost all of the lads have said they will stay next season and that could be very exciting for us.

“But other clubs are looking at a few of them. Given how they performed this season that is understandable.

“Now if a club comes in and offers them silly money to go and play then I have no problem with that.

“If you are offered £100-a-week to play for a club then I don’t begrudge anyone leaving us for that; that sort of money can pay your mortgage.

“But if we can keep the lads here and bring in a few players with a bit of experience, which we perhaps need, then we could have a very, very good season.”

Colney finished ten points behind title winners Kings, who clinched top spot in their first season back in the Premier Division.

Thompson wasn’t surprised by Kings’ title success given their first-team squad and experience of management duo Paul Hughes and Ritchie Hanlon.

He explained: “Kings Langley are a level above in my opinion. If they didn’t finish in top spot then I think serious questions would have been asked.

“They have got two guys in charge who know football and who have been in football for many years. Then you’ve got players who are above this level.

“People like Alex Campana was at Watford, Ollie Cox is [on loan] from Hemel Hempstead Town and Danny Hutchins played for Yeovil.

“They might not have the biggest budget in the division but they have the quality; so I wasn’t surprised because they were the best team we faced this season, along with St Margaretsbury.

“Was it an achievement to finish ten points behind them? I’ve not really thought about.

“We just do what we do here and what will be, will be. I don’t get any money for managing the club, I do it because I enjoy it.

“The players don’t get paid either. They get petrol money but that is only enough to get them out of the car park.

“So I can’t praise the players enough for how we finished the season. They made my job very easy.”

London Colney held their end of season awards evening on Saturday for all four of the club’s sides.

The first-team Player of the Season was Sam Doolan and the Manager’s player of the Season was Jack Smith.

Supporters’ Player of the Year was won by Greg Shaw while Jack Woods earned the Most Improved Player honour.

Niall Lysaght earned the Reserves’ Players’ Player of the Year while Dan Lewis was Manager’s Player of the Year. Jack Nevin won the Most Improved Player.

London Colney Blues players’ player of the year went to Connor Bromwich and the Manager’s Player was won by Samuel Olaiwole.

Conor McGrath was named the Reserves’ Blues’ Players’ Player and Max Thomas won the side’s Manager’s Player of the Year.

Special thanks were given to club secretary Dave Brock, who has been with London Colney for 47 years.

Steve Murphy picked up clubman of the year to honour his work in ensuring the pitch was playable during the winter months.