Arundel boss Butler targets a strong finish

When Butler took over from Gary Wheatcroft midway through January, Mullets were sixth from bottom and four points ahead of Hailsham, who sat a place above the drop zone.

But six points from a possible nine in their last three games including a victory over leaders Three Bridges has shot Mullets up to 11th, just eight points behind sixth-placed Rye.

Butler said: “ Ideally, with the games in hand we have, bearing in mind we have to play Rye twice and Crawley Down, I’d like to say the top six or seven would be good for us from where we were when I took over. But I also want to have a say in who wins the league. We want to perform well and get results in the games we have left with the top sides.”

Some of Arundel’s problems have come from the fact they have had no reserve side this season and, due to this before Butler took over, they had played games with just one substitute on the bench.

But Butler has already looked forward to next season and believes they can not continue without another side, and he confirmed there will be a feeder club at Arundel for the 2011-12 season.

He said: “The reserves have been on my mind and I have spoken to Bob (Marchant, chairman) about it, and we have agreed there will be some sort of feeder team at Arundel next season.

“You can’t function without one. I have had to select from a squad of 22 and I just can’t keep everyone happy.”

Mullets are set to have Howard Neighbour, who had netted seven goals this season before going travelling, return for them within a week. Mullets have also put in a seven-day approach for Pagham keeper Alex Bryant, as cover for Ben O’Connor, with Rhys Griffiths suffering from a shoulder injury.

Arundel’s game at Chichester on Tuesday night was postponed owing to fog. They would have been without Steve Sneller (injured) and Matt Axell (ill), although both could be back for Saturday’s home clash with Ringmer.