Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Alan Dowson knows close season optimism will count for nothing if he does not secure a top five finish next term.

The Beavers last week agreed terms with striker Charlie Moone and goalkeeper Seb Brown for next season as Dowson gears up for a what he hopes will be a promotion winning campaign.

The manager, below, secured Ryman Premier League survival with a game to spare last season, but the latest two signings, plus the arrival of Josh Casey, have already raised expectations.

And Dowson, who believes he is out of the running to land free-agent Andre McCollin, knows that will mean only one thing if his best laid plans do not work out.

“We’ve got to kick on from last season and that is what I’m working hard to do,” he said.

“If we do not finish in the top five next season, then I will probably get the sack. It is as simple as that.”

And chairman Steve McPherson is pleased with the way things are shaping up for the time being.

“Everyone knows Charlie is instrumental to the club and he is going to be absolutely vital to us as we aim get into the Conference South,” he added.

“We put the hours in to make it happen.

“Alan is really showing his worth to us already.

“He has been working hard on this since the end of the season so a lot of credit is due to the manager.”