RUSSELL Tanner has said he is satisfied with Maldon Town's progress this season, despite missing out on a play-off place in Ryman League Division one north.

Maldon are at Waltham Abbey tomorrow in their final league game of the season.

And Tanner said: "When Dean (Parratt) and I were offered the job at the end of last season we knew it was going to be a difficult task to maintain a strong and competitive team.

"We had a fantastic pre-season and made a number of quality signings.

"As with football at this level, players came and went but I have to admit the loss of five big players to higher league clubs before Christmas was difficult to take and manage.

"But I have always stated I would never stand in a player's way to move on to a higher level and progress their career.

"It then gave the opportunity to other players within the squad and a few new signings to get us back to the level where we were and I feel now we are almost there.

"Although we have just fallen short of our aim at the start of the season, on reflection I am happy with the progress made from the players, they know exactly what Dean and I are about and what we want them to achieve."