Rob Smith: Play-offs the aim next season

The Bucks were 17th – six points above the drop zone – heading into today's game at home against fellow strugglers Worcester City.

All at the club are thinking safety first but when asked about plans for next term at the AFC Telford United fans forum, Smith said: "For me, I want to be fighting for the play-offs.

"At the moment though, the top 10 are on another planet. It's become less of a level playing field than it ever has.

"At the moment, it's virtually impossible but we will give it a go, we will."

This season of being involved in the relegation mix comes after the same situation last year, where a miraculous turnaround saw them seal survival with a game to spare.

On how this campaign has panned out, Smith added: "The only thing you can do, from a manager's point of view, is learn.

"We've maintained a spirit, but we want it to be better.

"We shouldn't be where we are – but we are."