Walton & Hersham player-boss Tony Reid says a season of transition will only stand his side in good stead for next term. 

The club are currently 17th in the Ryman Division One South table, seven points clear of the relegation zone with nine games to go.

Expectations before the start of the season were to finish in the top six, but Reid says his players have taken time to adjust to their new surroundings after a host of changes last summer.

“It is a new team. You look at teams like Burgess Hill Town or other teams that are up there and they have been together for a while,” said former Kingstonian striker Reid.

“We have gone through a transitional period, but all this will put us in a better position for next season.”

Walton & Hersham have found goals hard to come by this season, having scored just 44 league goals so far.

As if to illustrate their problems, the Swans crashed 1-0 to unbeaten leaders Burgess Hill Town on Saturday after last week’s hard won 1-1 draw at Worthing.

Reid, who has otherwise been happy with the quality of squad at his disposal, admitted the shortage of a goal-scoring striker has been his major problem during his first full season in charge.

“Every club needs a striker who can score you lots of goals and that’s what we have not had,” he added.

“These boys have worked hard so far and technically they are very good.

“We have pace and power and I’m happy with the togetherness of the team.”