MANAGER Carl Bennett is excited at the prospect of guiding Whitchurch United back into the Wessex League Premier Division at the first attempt.

Last month, the Jam Boys were relegated from the top flight of the Wessex League as they were beaten 5-0 at Hamworthy.

The defeat left Whitchurch second from bottom, confirming their relegation to Division One along with Verwood and Fawley.

The Jam Boys gave a good account of themselves in the first 45 minutes at Hamworthy and only trailed 1-0 at the break.

However, in the second half the home side dominated, scoring four more goals.

Manager Bennett was unable to attend the match, as he was best man at his brother’s wedding on the day.

However, he said after the match: “We played well on their 3G pitch which we are not used to in the first half, but then after they scored a second our heads dropped, which is only to be expected.

“In the end it did not matter as Fawley and Cowes Sports won.”

Attention now turns to next season’s Division One campaign and the task of earning promotion straight back to the Premier Division.

Bennett said: “The club have been really good and backed me when they didn’t have to.

“I am now really excited with the job in hand to get us promoted next season.

“This will be our aim and I think it will be a younger side next season.

“Of course I will still have some experienced players to mix with some younger players in the team.

“I’ve got four of five players from this year who have agreed to play for us next year.

“If we do the right things and have the right approach and the right attitude then we can do it.”

With Whitchurch heading to Division One, it brings to an end regular derby match-ups with Andover Town.

However Bennett says he is eagerly anticipating two new derby fixtures in the form of Tadley and Andover New Street.

Talking about going head-to-head with the latter, he said: “I’m looking forward to it.

“Local derbies are the games you play for at this level. New Street will be good side next year as well.”