AFTER securing promotion back to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, Banbury United boss Mike Ford has already begun looking ahead to the next campaign, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Ford took over at the Puritans following their relegation a year ago and set about rebuilding the squad.

A superb season culminated in a 2-0 play-off final victory over Taunton Town on Monday to secure promotion.

And while there is sure to be interest in some of Banbury's top performers this summer, Ford feels they can enjoy greater success as part of his side.

“We've got to keep our best players,” he said.

“They need to feel that they're going to be a huge part of this club going forwards, because a lot of these players can also play at the next level comfortably.

“We've got one or two irons in the fire with certain individuals and there are certain positions I feel we need to be a little bit stronger in.

“Add that to the crop of fantastically talented lads we have currently and I'm hoping we can compete as we quite rightly should.”

Winger Zac McEachran, who Ford signed from Oxford City Nomads last summer, netted the first goal in Banbury's win over Taunton.

And the 21-year-old is looking forward to testing himself at a higher level.

“I think we all want to play as high as we can,” he said.

“It's just a matter of trying our best and seeing where that takes us.

“That's what we've done this season and now we're going up.”