SCREWFIX DIRECT PREMIER: DAVE Hopkins is confident he will be appointed as manager of Devizes Town next week after holding successful talks with chairman Chris Belcher.

The long-serving defender, 30, is satisfied he can take the club forward next season on its existing playing budget and is awaiting Belcher's decision.

Hopkins took over the managerial reins temporarily following the departure of Pete Tripp last month and helped Devizes to three wins and a draw in their final seven games.

That was not enough to steer the cash-strapped Nursteed Road outfit away from the bottom of the Premier Division table, but the Screwfix Direct League's decision not to relegate any teams this year means they will ply their trade at the same level next term.

Hopkins originally had little intention of taking the role permanently but admitted the improved team spirit shown by the players had encouraged him to apply for the job.

He said: "The big bonus is a lot of the lads are my friends and I know a lot of the young lads at the club. A lot of them are up for it next season if I take it.

"The other candidates aren't local, as far as I know, so that might work in my favour. The chairman seems positive about what I did over the last seven games and I'm confident I'll get it, to be honest.

"We had some good wins and performances and I'd like to think we can improve on what we did last year."

Devizes are rumoured to have debts of £35,000, but Hopkins has been told funds will be made available for players' wages next season.

Chairman Belcher will speak to the remaining candidates this week and is expected to make an announcement over the position early next week.