CRAIG Edwards declared himself ‘very satisfied’ with Billericay Town’s season after they ended the season in eighth place.

Town also reached the final of the Essex Senior Cup and the semi-final of the Ryman League Cup in what Edwards described as his busiest season at Billericay since he took the reins in 2010 – having presided over 60 games this term.

Indeed, Craig Edwards’ side were the fourth highest scorers in the division – netting 104 in total, with Ricky Sappleton top scoring (19).

And the Town manager said if they could improve on their early season form next year, Town would be preparing for the play-offs and not winding down.

“We lost eight of the first 14 league games and that cost us,” he said. “After 15 games we were 17th in the league and 16th top scorers which isn’t good enough.

“But after 44 games we had about the same amount as points as the top three in the league and we ended the season with plenty of goals in the team.

“This was a very new squad and I would have been happy with eighth at the start, having made a cup final and a semi-final in the process.

“We have been through a lot of players this year (48) but we are not in the position to go out and buy a tried and tested player just because we have an injury, and with the likes of George Beavan and Callum Dunne contracted to us that limited our options too.

“However, it is pleasing when you pick up players who do a job. Rowan Liburd has scored 16 goals for us having been injured and on loan at the start of the season and I know he will have more to offer next year.

“And Ola Williams was struggling at Hampton & Richmond Borough before he came here and he has been tremendous.”

Despite the number of games, Edwards admitted he didn’t think his side looked leggy until the final 20 minutes of their final game – a 2-0 defeat against VCD Athletic on Saturday.

He flagged up their penultimate game – the 5-0 Essex Senior Cup final loss to Concord Rangers – as the lowest point of his season, and his entire managerial career.

“We needed to be at our best for that game. With three of the back five unavailable before the game and then having your centre-back sent off we were always going to find it hard.

“That said we have had some high points too. Beating Enfield Town 5-0 was quite an achievement and I enjoyed all of our cup games – apart from the Essex Senior Cup final!”

Player of the season – Glenn Poole Goal of the season – Ricky Sappleton (Enfield Town City Dec ’14)