STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers was upbeat despite seeing Nuneaton Griffs pip his troops to the Midland Combination title.

BKL did their bit by beating Southam 2-0 to take a five point lead at the top only to see their rivals retain the crown with a 1-0 win at Marconi and a 3-0 win over Highgate on the last day of the season.

Bees chairman Dave Robinson was at the Marconi match and saw Nuneaton take the lead with a penalty and hang on after their hosts missed a spot kick.

"Nuneaton only had two shots and one of those was the penalty," said the Bees chief.

"They were murdered and I couldn't believe it when the penalty was saved, I was on the phone to Mark (Chambers - Studley manager) every five minutes."

But after the dust settled Robinson and his manager were left to reflect on an incredible season which ended with promotion.

"It is amazing we finished with 96 points and still ended up second," said BKL boss Chambers.

"It was a strange week because we could not celebrate promotion because the title race was not settled.

"It was disappointing to lose a five point margin but promotion was the main aim."

The management duo have already met to discuss plans for next season which will see Robinson reunited with Oldbury Utd, the team he led into the Southern League, as well as matches against sides like Bromsgrove, Rushall, Paget Rangers and Stourbridge.

"We are looking at growing as a club off the field and need sponsors and new recruits," said Chambers.

"We will try to up the budget if we can and in playing terms a mid-table finish will be pleasing.

"We won't be relegated because several of the players have played at that level and higher."

But Robinson said the players were brimming with confidence.

"The lads are full of it," he said, "They have the attitude they will go for it.

"We can't throw money at it next year but we are already making plans. It is only now starting to sink in that we've done it."

Chambers is already lining up a number of unnamed targets and the club has arranged pre-season friendlies with Redditch United, Evesham, Nuneaton Griffs and Bolehall Swifts and are in talks with Solihull Borough.