AFC TOTTON's director of football James Beattie insisted the club has a plan to remain sustainable as they look to push further up the leagues.

The legendary former Saints striker took his post at Snows Stadium ahead of the 2024/25 season and has helped bring instant success.

Beattie watched on from the dugout as the Stags secured their promotion to National League South with a 1-0 win over Gloucester City on Monday.

The New Forest side had been beaten on penalties in the play-off final by Salisbury at Snows Stadium last season but went one step further this time.

It means AFC Totton will be competing in the sixth tier for the first time in its history, something Beattie tells the Daily Echo that the club will relish. 

"We've been planning two scenarios for a few months now. We'll sit down with the board, get the budgets for next year and go from there," he said.

AFC Totton celebrated winning the play-offs on MondayAFC Totton celebrated winning the play-offs on Monday (Image: Harvey Gerring / AFC Totton)

"We're trying to improve the club on all fronts, really. We did that with the playing squad this year, but there's other aspects that we need to keep improving.

"New revenue streams are being introduced so that we can maintain sustainability as we hopefully progress further through the levels.

"We've got a great board who back us all the way. Manager Jimmy Ball has a good amount of autonomy on football decisions, which is quite unique.

"But it's worked, clearly. I think that's the second promotion in three seasons for the club with Jimmy and we'll see what next year brings.

"There have been ups and downs, as you would imagine, but it's just been a great end to the season for the club and for the loads of people here."

Beattie was keen to turn focus to manager Jimmy Ball and the players, who, thanks to goalscorer Ethan Taylor, provided special memories. 

He said: "This win was all about them. They've been magnificent this season. Jimmy's put together a team that he thought had that little bit extra.

"I think we showed it. It was a nervy game, but I think we defended well at times. It was a very nervous game and it's always about the players.

"It's amazing for the club. The lads have been great all season, coming second to a good side in Merthyr - but we fought hard to get to second place.

"That meant we would have the home advantage on both play-off occasions, if we got through the semi-final as well. It's been a good season."