BALTI Sports’ boss Marco Nott has vowed to continue next season, defiantly stating: “I’m not prepared to give up my club”.

Nott, who founded the club as a Sunday pub team 18 years ago, has overseen Balti during a rapid rise through grassroots football in the county, guiding them to the Jewson Dorset Premier League.

However, last season was arguably the toughest in the club’s existence as the concession of a game saw them docked six points on their way to 16th in the table, one place off bottom.

Their downturn in form, having finished eighth last season, has led to rumours about the club’s future and whether it could fold before the 23/24 campaign.

Setting the record straight, Nott told Echosport: “There’s been a lot of rumours that we’re going to jack it in.

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“It has been an extremely tough season for all sorts of reasons and I’m glad the season’s ended, don’t get me wrong.

“But I’m really upbeat, actually. There’s a lot of people trying to get my club. I’ve built the club up for 18 years and I’m not prepared to let it go.

“I’m really determined next year. With a few additions to the players and staff, it’s going to be a strong Balti. I’m excited to see where it can go.

“I’ve seen so many stupid rumours that we’re going to fold and that teams are going to take our place in the league.

“It’s definitely not happening. I’m not prepared to give up my club, that I’ve worked so hard for.”

Nott stressed the rebuild at Balti would consume a wealth of hours over the summer.

“I’m looking forward to the break, don’t get me wrong,” he admitted. “But I’ve seen enough within the lads we’ve got.

“We’ve got to do a lot of work during the summer in terms of getting rid of a lot of deadwood. I’ve started that already.

“Getting rid of the moles in the team, stop relying on the unreliable and get some strong, committed players in.

“From what I’ve heard already, there’s a good chance of getting a strong squad together next season.

“It would be nice to get a new voice in the dressing room as well, with different ideas.”

Nott also signalled his intention to be “ruthless” this summer, ridding the club of leaks stemming from the club’s group chat.

“I don’t want to name-drop,” he said. “But it’s quite apparent there’s maybe two on our chat that have been leaking stuff. I’m not having it.

“It’s time to be ruthless and get rid of players lingering around, instead of players who are committed to the cause.

“One thing I have found out this season is that you know who the committed ones are and the ones who are going to let you down on numerous occasions.

“I’m in no position to time-waste. It’s definitely time to start afresh.”

Nott then revealed how he will sell the club’s image to interested players, highlighting Balti’s “success story” in its short life, and congratulated Holt on winning the league.

He said: “There will be numerous new additions. We want to get at least six to eight players, probably more, with some experienced heads.

“It’s a case of getting a few names together and working my magic, selling what is a good club.

“It’s been reminded to me that it’s not a bad club. The club’s been a success story from the get-go.

“It’s more reminding people how good a club it is. It should be a joy to play for, it’s about getting that club back.

“I’d lost my motivation for football and probably Balti for the last 18 months, to be honest.

“I think the league will thrive soon. There’s a lot of good, young clubs.

“Holt, congratulations to them. They’re the one club I’ve got huge respect for.

“They’ve done exactly what I’m looking for, changing their club to a young, hungry side.

“You can see on the pitch what they’ve done. They’re young and well-coached and have deservedly won the league. Congratulations to Lee Bradford and his team.”