AFC Totton manager Jimmy Ball insisted the club have plans to be "competitive" in the National League South next season following promotion.

The Stags climbed to the National League South courtesy of their 1-0 play-off final victory over Gloucester City at Snows Stadium on Monday.

Ethan Taylor's composed second-half goal ensured Totton will be playing in the sixth tier of English football for the first time in their history.

Ball, who signed a five-year contract in 2022, is hopeful that more supporters will flock to see the club after an entertaining promotion.

"Our plan is to continue being competitive. We will continue to be diligent about the way we work. We are trying to take this club forward on a sure footing," Ball told the Daily Echo.

(Image: MATT WILLIAMS/AFC Totton)

"We will do it within our means. We are self-sustaining, we haven't got some rich fella chucking in his own personal money.

"We earn everything we spend. We work hard as a football club to ensure the security of these fans and all of our youth players.

"We will continue on that front. The support we get is fantastic, and we are going to need more of it if we want to continue being competitive.

"You do need money, that's the reality of football, and a lot has been said about our budget. I know what it is, it's by no means the most, but we are very competitive.

"We are going to need to go again, and I'm sure we are ready to. We need everyone behind us, supporting us to take this club forward.

"We don't have a rich benefactor. We are here, scrapping and fighting for each pound that we have. The support is massively important."

AFC Totton missed out on promotion via the play-offs last season after a defeat to Salisbury on penalties in the final.

"I feel delighted, mostly for the players, for the effort they put in and the sacrifice that they give. I feel delighted for the board, who have supported me incredibly well," Ball added.

"I'm delighted for the supporters who have stuck by us and followed us in great numbers. When the goal went in, I thought, 'let's go get another'.

"I didn't want to be biting my nails at the end of the game. Gloucester City are a good side, they are well-coached. We knew we would have to hang on a little bit.

"I'm just delighted the lads have done it, they deserve it. Last time was hard, I felt we were the better team against Salisbury, but it didn't go our way.

"I thought we were the better team again this year, and it did go our way. I'm just feeling pleasure and relief. All of these scenes are fantastic."