THE new permanent Ardley United boss is targeting a big improvement when the Uhlsport Hellenic League resumes next season.

Lee Matthews was appointed as joint manager with Danial Knight in February after Craig Adey departed with the side second bottom in the table.

A combination of bad weather and the coronavirus pandemic meant the pair only took charge of two matches before the Premier Division season was expunged.

The arrangement was only until the end of the campaign, but Ardley have now appointed Matthews as the manager.

And the former Didcot Town development team boss has high hopes for next season.

“I would like to think they would be in the top five,” he said.

“Without sounding harsh, your league form doesn’t lie and being in the bottom two says a lot really.

“They have a very young side with some good players in there, but they need experience.”

David Michno, who worked with Matthews at Didcot, has come in as his No 2, with Knight moving on to pursue other options.

Matthews said: “For the club to put their faith in me is a massive compliment.

“It’s a great club and I’ve been lucky with the people I have worked with so far in Andy Ballard, Jamie Heapy and Chris Hurley.

“I have had good people around me. I’m excited for the challenge.”