Barton Town boss Neil Buckley believes his side can challenge for the title in the Northern Counties East League First Division next season.

The Swans' promotion from the Central Midlands League Supreme Division was confirmed on Wednesday.

Bottesford Town have also been promoted as champions of the Supreme Division.

Buckley was delighted with the news. He said: "It was our aim to go up and we deserve to.

"Some of the lads have been playing at the same level for three or four years now, so we are all ready for a fresh challenge.

"We didn't do it by winning the league, which is slightly disappointing, but we have achieved our aim.

"We are equipped for it. I don't think I will have to strengthen too much.

"I think I have the squad now that could compete in that league and we will be challenging for the title next season.

"We are not just going up to make the numbers."

Barton won the Supreme Division title in 2006 but were denied promotion because Marsh Lane didn't meet Northern Counties League standards.

Buckley insists clinching promotion this year, after finishing runners-up to Bottesford, makes up the deep disappointment a year ago.

"The ground has been a marvellous development but it has held us back," he added.

"It is ready now and it's my job to make sure the team are ready for the step-up.

"I was devastated when we didn't go up as champions but this more than makes up for that.

"There has been a lot of hard work by a lot of people at the club, who are committed to taking this club forward."

Buckley is determined to continue steering the club in the right direction.

He is confident star striker Gaz Barlow will stay and he has already targeted two players he wants to sign.

He has also revealed his dream of guiding the Swans all the way into the UniBond League before stepping aside as manager in three years.

"I am in the market for a centre-half and an 'old head' - a player who can organise and dictate the pace of a game," he revealed.

"I have already approached one of them about signing for the club.

"I will be stepping aside in three years and I would like to have taken Barton into the UniBond League first division before I go.

"It is going to be hard work but I like hard work."