NIGEL Tripp is on the verge of landing a lucrative sponsorship deal for Melksham Town as he already begins to plot for next season.

The Town boss is hoping to secure the deal in the next few weeks and although unprepared to mention any details yet he has revealed it will bring substantial income into the club.

In his first season as manager at the Conigre, Tripp has struggled to get a consistent run of results going but he is confident the future is looking bright.

He said: "I can't say too much yet but it will be a big boots if I can land this deal.

"The money it will bring in will help me add to my squad in the summer and that is what we need to launch a strong challenge next campaign."

Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Bideford meant Melksham finish the season just below mid table but Tripp believes things will look different next time round.

He said: "This season has been a bit of a struggle. We started this season having lost nine first team players, including Matty Bown, the Messenger brother, Russell Fishlock and Andy Sandell.

"Then throughout the season we have continued to lose players and it has been quite disruptive.

"We have had to keep rebuilding throughout the season.

"I am looking forward to the summer now where I can take some time off and then look forward to better times next season."

In the last couple of months Tripp has given several youngsters their chance in the team and he feels they have more than taken advantage of it.

He said: "In a way I wish the season could start again now.

"We have at last got a pattern of play that suits us and we have started to play a lot more consistently.

"The players I have got now I do not want to leave and I see no reason why they should.

"If they get the opportunity to go up up a league then fair enough but there is no point in dropping down and playing for some of our rivals.

"I want to add two of three experienced players down the spine of the team and then my current squad should be able to make up the difference.

"One thing we have been lacking is a goal scorer and the problem that causes is all your possession goes to waste. We have got to solve that and then I am confident we can finish in the top half next season."