Badshot Lea co-manager Gavin Smith is looking forward to the challenge after receiving confirmation his side will be playing in the Isthmian League South Central Division next season.

The Baggies finished in second place in the Combined Counties Premier Division South and were promoted by the FA as one of the best second-placed teams.

However, the Baggies faced a wait to find out which league they would be promoted to, before finally receiving confirmation on Monday lunchtime.

Joining Badshot Lea in the Isthmian League South Central Division next season are the likes of Hartley Wintney, Ascot United, Leatherhead, Raynes Park Vale and Metropolitan Police.

The Baggies will be playing at Step 4 for the first time in their 116-year history.

Ashford Town (Middlesex), Binfield, Chertsey Town, Chipstead, Corinthian Casuals, Guernsey, Hanworth Villa, Northwood, South Park (Reigate), Southall, Sutton Common Rovers, Thatcham Town, Uxbridge and Westfield complete the line-up for next season’s South Central Division.

“For a little village club like us to be in a league with some of the teams we’re in with is a great achievement,” said Smith.

“We’ve nearly finished the pre-season schedule and already have plans in place for next year. It’s exciting times.

“We’re hoping our first friendly will be on July 1, so pre-season training will start the week before that.

“I expect we will be relying on a young group again.

“I need to speak to the players and see who is happy to stay – I hope they all are but you never know.

“Our aim next season will be to show we can compete with teams at that level. I’m confident in the group we’ve got.

“Last year Walton & Hersham were better than us, so if we want to compete with the teams at the top of the league we will need to improve.”

Work will also be taking place over the summer to freshen up the Baggies’ home at Westfield Lane.

“There are always things you can improve as a club,” said Smith.

“Myself and Dave put a lot of work in here.

“You want people to turn up at the ground and be impressed by it. That’s always the aim.”