RYAN Richards believes John Clarkson must stay at Tiverton if the club are to reach the Southern League Premier Division.
The manager has yet to commit his future to the club, and even hinted in the aftermath of the 3-1 play-off semi-final defeat to Paulton Rovers that off-field issues could result in him leaving.
Richards stated his desire for Clarkson to remain at Bolham Road, claiming that Tivvy's squad s far more likely to remain intact should the former Ontinyent boss remain.
"I would love for John to be here next year. The decision lies with him, but I feel if he stays then most of the squad will stay," he said.
"We have got the squad to go on and do it. We have 18 or 19 very strong players and, if we add one or two to that, there is no reason for us not to be up and around there."
Richards also revealed his relief at proving himself capable of scoring goals at Southern League level.
Richards netted five goals in four starts and 10 substitute appearances for the Yellows after turning down a move to Swedish fourth division outfit Ytterhogdals IK to join Tivvy in February.
Goals included a debut strike in the 2-0 win at Godalming Town and a double in the epic 4-4 draw with Wimborne Town.
Richards' haul showed that his imperious tally at former club Plymouth Parkway – where he boasted 52 goals in 62 games – was no fluke, and the youngster hopes to continue his fine form next term.
"I was a little bit nervous stepping up to the Southern League, where it is a lot more physical and the play is a lot faster," he said.
"But I feel I have proved myself to be a goalscorer in the Southern League. I feel I have done alright and that I couldn't have done too much more.
"I have had a few chances that I missed, but I feel I took most of my chances and I didn't do too badly. I'm hoping, fingers crossed, that I can be up there next season.
"If I am honest, I have no regrets about not moving to Sweden. Staying in this country, I think I made the right decision – for me personally and for football reasons too."
Tivvy's campaign is still not over, with the Devon St Luke's Bowl final to be played against Richards' former club Plymouth Parkway.
However, with Richards cup-tied, a return against his old club is not possible, leaving him to look back at the key points in Tiverton's campaign.
"In my opinion, the game against Wimborne was important," he said. "Not winning that game, I think that knocked our confidence a bit.
"Against Paulton, I think it was the shock of that third goal more than anything. They had just had a man sent off and we were pushing for the goal and within a minute or so they were up the other end and scoring.
"Before the game we heard we hadn't beaten them for 15 years or something. I know it sounds silly but maybe that got in our heads a little bit."
