A GREAT first season in the Dr Martens Western Division saw Stourport Swifts finish eighth after Saturday's 5-2 hammering of Bilston Town.

But player-boss Tim Langford admitted the final position could have been even higher for Swifts who have prospered despite a lack of cash.

Langford, who took over from Rod Brown mid-season, is keen to maintain a higher level of consistency.

He aims to sign at least six new players on top of keeping his current squad together in the summer.

Winger Alex Cowley looks set to complete a permanent move to Halesowen Town.

Langford said: "At the start of the season, I think the chairman, committee and then manager would have been happy with a top-eight finish.

"It's disappointing in a way as we could have been as high as fifth but it's something we can build on.

"We have played some good football at times this season but it just seems to have fallen down on the consistency side.

"We don't seem to have always travelled well but our home record is well above average.

"With our away form, perhaps it is down to the system we are playing and maybe need four at the back in away games and be happy to settle for a point.

"But this season has been an achievement, an experience for everybody. Coming into a new league, we had nothing to fear."

Swifts were often hit by injuries with Willie Dunn and Mark Dearlove ruled out for long periods and Steve Ulfig missing in the second half of the season.

Langford too has struggled and is likely to consider whether to continue playing over the summer.

He has been impressed with the side defensively but is looking for more goals and will be targeting prolific strikers.

And Langford added: "I suppose the manager is judged by the results he can get from the budget he has got. And with the budget we have had, I haven't done badly."