Three or four players are expected to add to Wealdstone’s ranks before the start of pre-season, according to manager Gordon Bartlett, who believes evolution rather than revolution is the order of the day at Grosvenor Vale.

A run of some 32 points from their last 17 games of the season, including just a solitary defeat from February to April, has given the Stones renewed hope going into next season, with Bartlett agreeing in principle to stay on as manager for another year - his 23rd with the club.

Bartlett revealed this week he is looking to shed the pounds around the belly of his squad and operate with a positively trim 16 or 17 first-team players next season.

He said: “Going on a run like that at the end of the season, and getting to two cup finals, finishing three points off the play-offs, there’s a lot to look forward to next season.

“We’re looking to cut the squad down in terms of numbers and operate with a smaller group. It might mean what we do have can cost a bit more.”

Bartlett added a caveat that he had been puzzled about suggestions the Stones were willing to pay over the odds for players, and made it clear the club would continue to pay what he considered a fair wage next season.

He said: “We have already been knocked back by a few players, but that doesn’t come down solely to money.

“There were a couple who the move didn’t suit geographically and other reasons.”

Wealdstone are yet to announce who will be staying at Grosvenor Vale next season, with discussions with a number of players still ongoing, but Josh Urquhart’s spell with the club is over, after receiving what Bartlett called a “fantastic” offer from elsewhere.

It is expected full details regarding the first-team squad will be revealed in the coming weeks.