BILLERICAY TOWN boss Craig Edwards has said he will quit if his side don’t earn promotion to the National League South by the end of next season.
There is plenty of excitement surrounding the Ryman Premier club following Glenn Tamplin’s recent takeover and hopes are high.
Tamplin’s investment has allowed Edwards to revamp his squad by bringing in experienced Step 2 players such as Margate trio Luke Moore, Matt Johnson and Danny Fitzsimons, Chelmsford striker Billy Bricknell and Hemel Hempstead winger Lewis Taaffe.
The former player, who was Edwards’ captain during the boss’ first year in management at Barkingside in 1996-97, has targeted a Football League place in seven years.
Edwards, who led the Blues to the Ryman Premier title in 2011-12, says he is excited by the big plans but he won’t be sticking around at New Lodge if progress stalls over the next 18 months.
He told Echo News: “I am not worried about this going wrong. It is great to see that Glenn has the drive that matches mine.
“If we didn’t win the league next year I would walk away. We can be a League team in six years and that is hugely exciting.
“Havant & Waterlooville are spending huge amounts of money and Dulwich have a huge fan base and are well financed so there is big competition.
“People say we are there to be shot at but that was said in the past and I said to the players then that there is nothing better than walking into an opposition bar knowing that you are the best. I want that to be us again.
“The supporters are so behind us right now. There is a feel good factor at the club and it is because of Glenn.
“There is a buzz about it all and that carries onto the pitch and onto me. I feel uplifted and that is down to Glenn and the supporters – they really are so important.”
