Dereham Town manager Matt Henman, admitting his first team has had a below-par season, this week confirmed that some of his top players' contracts had been renewed, and that the Magpies have a wish list of players they believe will improve the squad.

Dereham Town manager Matt Henman, admitting his first team has had a below-par season, this week confirmed that some of his top players' contracts had been renewed, and that the Magpies have a wish list of players they believe will improve the squad.

Henman reported: 'It was another good weekend for the club with all three teams winning and maintaining a strong finish to the season.

'The first team continued some impressive form with a good 3-1 win at home to sixth-placed Stanway Rovers, the Reserves won a tricky away game at Needham 2-0 and the A team, with five 17-year-olds in the side, beat Hingham 2-0.

'We've just about been able to manage the large number of games since the winter call-offs with the U18 games also to consider, and it's a credit to everyone at the club that since early in March the club's four sides have been involved in 27 games and lost only once.

Everyone has had to muck in during this time and it really shows the strength of all areas of the club that we have managed to put strong teams out in all games and been successful in most of them.

'Two weeks ago we had the task of playing three games in one night with the first team at Mildenhall, the Reserves at Leiston and the U18s at home to Wroxham. To end the night with two wins and a draw was a feat the club should be proud of and bodes well for the future strength and stability of the playing side,' he said.

'Everything we have put in place this season has been for the long-term benefit of the club which I'm sure will bear fruit in the coming seasons.

'However, I'm also very aware that we are judged on first team results and the season generally has been below par. We're already working hard towards next season and it's very pleasing that we have in the last week renewed some of our top players' contracts for next year. A few more will follow in the next fortnight and we also have a wish list of players who we believe will improve our squad.

'So although the end of the season is close, we still have a lot to play for and plenty of work to do.'

Henman concluded: 'On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to pass on my congratulations to Mattishall on their Senior Cup success, and to Norwich City on gaining promotion.'