Robinson will have new outlook ahead of different challenge next term

Hungerford Town boss Danny Robinson is already planning for next season after agreeing to spend another year in charge of the Crusaders.

Robinson signed a new contract just a week after Hungerford were relegated from the National League South and admits he’s already thinking about next season in the Southern Premier League.

It’s set to be a summer of change at Bulpit Lane.

A new chair is expected to replace the outgoing Patrick Chambers, who is taking over at National League North outfit Gloucester City, while it’s likely that a number of regulars will leave the club in the hope of staying at Step 2.

That means Robinson might be even busier than usual this summer as he looks to build a new squad to compete in English football’s seventh tier.

“People come and go, but this football club’s been going for 120-odd years,” he said.

“From what I’ve heard in the conversations I’ve had, there’s nothing but excitement.

“There’s a real feel good factor at the club, I’m just delighted that the powers that be want me to be a part of it.”

Last summer’s recruitment was lukewarm at best as Bulpit Lane became a melting pot for players from across the footballing spectrum, many of whom struggled to establish themselves at National League level.

Next term promises to be a different proposition, with Hungerford’s budget likely to be more competitive relative to other sides in the league.

However, the club’s pulling power will inevitably decrease, and Robinson plans to use his local knowledge to attract new recruits.

He said: “We’ll have a different way of looking at things, it’s a new test.

“I’m almost more excited for next season than I have been for the National League because I know what we can achieve.

“We’ve got a list of players we’re interested in.

“I have to have the best local players at this football club, I want lads that hurt when we’re losing.

“We’ll have a big turnaround, we’re prepared for that.”

It’s difficult to tell how competitive the Crusaders will be next season, but Robinson is confident his side can be in the mix following a rebuild this summer.

“We’re not naive at all, we know how hard it’ll be,” he said.

“We want to make a good fist of it.”