THE celebrations had hardly died down following last week's Polymac Services League Cup success when Stratford Town officials began preparing for next season, writes Mervyn Collins.

Friendly dates, player movement and directions to new grounds were all being assessed after the players had brought the first silverware for 14 years back to Masons Road.

Add to that third place in the league and it all amounts to a terrific season. However, promotion was the priority and Town missed out . . . again!

Second place behind champions Stou-rbridge wouldn't have been good enough to win a place in the Dr Martens League. Rushall Olympic missed out as Hellenic League runners-up Yate were given the final place in the move up soccer's Pyramid.

It won't be any easier for Lennie Derby's side next term. Old foes Racing Club Warwick will be keen to regain their status, while fellow relegated side Rocester will be back in the Midland Alliance after a four-year stay in the Western Division.

Add to those two Westfields, champions of the West Midlands League, and Leicestershire Senior League winners, Coalville and it's going to be tougher than ever to claim top spot.

"The league gets stronger every year," Derby said. "It's going to be a lot harder next season and we must be prepared for that.

"Stourbridge's situation hasn't helped us of the league during the past couple of seasons but they have proved a point by winning back-to-back titles and it's not their fault their ground isn't up to standard.

"The Midland Alliance has been found slightly wanting and its credibility is brought into question but, if they disregarded all the clubs that didn't meet grading criteria, then there wouldn't be too many left in the league."

Preparations will start on July 1 when pre-season training starts. Kidderminster Harriers are scheduled to visit Masons Road on Sunday, July 13, while Town have also arranged a visit to Hellenic League champions North Leigh for Saturday, August 2.

One player who won't be featuring next season is midfielder Dave Stringer who has taken on the manager's role at Nuneaton Griff.

Assistant manager Martin Sockett is expected to be at Derby's side next term after the manager revealed that a move to Rugby Town had fallen through.

Derby reckons his squad is good enough to finally land promotion but he will be busy looking out for better players to boost his resources.

"Talent wise, the players are good enough. Mentally, one or two need to toughen up," Derby admitted.

"There will be no wholesale clearout but if better players become available then I will try and bring them to the club."

Looking back seven days, Derby admitted that his side made hard work of overcoming a plucky Causeway outfit - but that was something he was getting used to.

"It was indicative of our season," the manager explained. "It was an uncomfortable win but their manager had no grumbles and agreed that we deserved to win.

"Scoring goals hasn't been a problem all season, it's conceding soft ones that has cost us," Derby argued when pressed about his side's persistent failure to kill off the opposition.

Former Masons Road striker James Wood took the Alliance's Golden Boot award - an honour not lost on the Stratford boss.

"James left this club in a very unprofessional way, I didn't let him go, "Derby revealed.

"What he's done at Oldbury is what I was asking him to do here but he chose not to take my advice and left."

Finally, Masons Road officials would like to thank the fans for all their support during the past season and especially the backing of all the club sponsors.

The club stages its presentation evening at Masons Road tomorrow night from 8pm. Tickets are priced £5 and available on the door.