PORTLAND United are aiming to make strides both on and off the pitch this season as they bid for their third successive Dorset Premier League crown.

The Blues sealed the title last term by a comfortable seven-point margin over Weymouth Reserves, as well as getting to the final of the Dorset Premier League Cup, and it’s no secret that Gary Bailey’s men will be the team to beat in the division once again.

It will also be a campaign that is full of activity away from the playing side, as the club looks to improve their infrastructure and generate more income, and have welcomed former Terras’ vice-chairman Mark Coleman on to their committee.

And optimistic Blues’ chairman Robin Satherley insists that it could be exciting times for the club, if they deliver on both of their core aims.

“There are two main objectives for the club this season,” he told Echosport.

“One is to try and retain the Dorset Premier League title, we realise that this will be difficult as every game is like a cup match for us with a number of very good teams in the league.

“We basically have the same squad as last season but Gary has boosted the squad with the signings of Nick Carroll, Dan Austin, Chris Reader and Charlie May.

“It would make me very proud if we could win it three times, I have been associated with the club for more than 40 years and I think it will be no mean achievement if we could do it, every year becomes more competitive.”

Having been prolific in their current division for the last two terms, there is always constant speculation facing the club about promotion to the Wessex or Western League.

Satherley added: “We fully understand that people would like to see us in a higher league, but the stability of the football club is the be all and end all, keeping the club on a firm foundation is equally just as important.

“The second objective is to improve the overall infrastructure of the club through generating more income, facilities, and gathering more feet on the ground regarding the committee.

“This will involve trying to generate more sponsorship, addressing various maintenance problems regarding the two stands and floodlights, and trying to recruit more help.

“We are pleased that Mark Coleman has recently joined the committee and hopefully his knowledge of football should help to push the club forward.

“I believe if these two objectives are achieved than we should have to wait and see where Portland United are at this time next season.”