WITTON Albion have increased the team budget for next season by 25%.

Chairman Mike Worthington said: 'It is the budget our manager John Davison asked for, which he believes will enable him to make a positive challenge for promotion to Conference North.

'So we have given it to him. 'Money does not guarantee success in football, but it is a competitive budget and it is the first time since I have been at Witton that we have been able to make a serious increase in the team finances.' It was widely feared by supporters that the departure of Northwich Vics, though now delayed, would have an adverse effect on how much Albion could invest in their team.

Instead it is the surest sign yet that Albion, who nearly went under five years ago, now believe they can be a major force once again.

Worthington's announcement will cheer supporters after a season where results were often better than the entertainment they provided.

Davison blamed the pressure all teams felt under by chasing places in the extended 'promotion' zone. Witton will operate in the UniBond Premier Division next season, nowhere near as strong as the one they left four years ago but better than the First Division they said farewell to.

The ground rent received from Vics over two season has paid off debts, and the substantial increase on the wage bill destroys the theory that Witton could not make up the shortfall caused by their neighbours' departure.

Worthington added: 'We have been preparing for Vics going for 12 months. We have worked hard to fill the gap. Increasing the team budget is not a knee-jerk reaction. It is another business decision.'

He praised the efforts of finance director Mark Harris and new functions manager Gayle Woods.