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And he warned neighbours Burton Albion: “The most important thing to me is that we finish ahead of the little club down the road – we want to be ahead of Burton Albion next year.”

Dolby, speaking at the club’s annual dinner and presentation evening last night, said: “Supporters, committee members and even some of the players laughed at me a year ago when I said I thought we would finish in the top six of the Beazer Midland Division. To actually win promotion in our first year was an exceptional achievement – whatever happens in the future, nobody can decry the players for what they did.

“Only one team has done it before: Solihull Borough – and it cost them hundreds of thousands of pounds. It cost us a lot of hard work. We made massive strides in the last two years but we’re not going to stand still – the next step is the Conference.”

Dolby told more than 300 club members, players and supporters gathered at Burton’s Bass Social Club that he hoped to retain the whole of last season’s squad while adding “two or three quality players.”

He pledged: “We won’t get promotion first time this time, but we’re looking for a top six again and I think we can achieve it.” He boasted: “We’re the biggest club this year, so watch out, Burton.”

Dolby and club chairman Peter Hall both gave special mention to the club’s supporters, while there was praise for off-the-field efforts of the club’s committee and helpers.

There was a string of players’ awards but the loudest applause of the night was for committee man Alistair Rutherford, who was named clubman of the year after playing a prominent role in the club’s progress despite serious illness.

Defender Stuart Evans was named Players’ player-of-the-year with top scorer Martin Devaney picking up the supporters’ player-of-the-year award and keeper Bob Aston the manager’s player-of-the-year award.

Defender Matt Smith was reserve team players’ player-of-the-year and striker Ian Scott reserve team bosses Alan Titterton and Dick West’s choice.