RAMSBOTTOM United's joint manager Andy Grimshaw has backed his side to be challenging for honours next season.

The Riverside outfit have struggled this term but, following recent signings, including joint manager Jimmy Clarke's son Doni after his release from Huddersfield, he believes his side can get something positive out of a disappointing season.

"For now, our main priority is staying up," he said.

"We've been playing some good football and there are big improvements in every match we play, and that's a big plus for us as a management team.

"There's great banter in the changing rooms and there's a lot of confidence in the side because we've got some good footballers.

"And with that, and maybe a couple more additions in the summer and a good pre-season, I think we can really do something next year."

Ramsbottom have added a few new faces to their squad in recent weeks by signing former Stand and Curzon Ashton winger Gareth Gardner and Stalybridge Celtic striker Glyn Barker on loan until the end of the season, as well as Doni Clarke.

Grimshaw revealed they are being offered the chance to bring in new players every week, but he refuses to make new signings just for the sake of it.

"We're happy with what we've got and don't need to try to change the side right now," he said.

"Maybe we'll make a couple of additions in the summer

"We were disappointed to get a draw at Glossop in the end during the week," he said.

The Rams entertain Newcastle Town tomorrow afternoon and will be looking to avoid conceding a double.

"They've beaten us in the league cup but, despite them being up near the top of the league, we're looking forward to the game," said Grimshaw, who was disappointed only to pick up a point from their midweek trip to Glossop North End.

"We would have accepted a point before the game because it's always a tricky place to go. But we had won every tackle and were well on top of the game.

"They probably had the better chances overall but we played well again.

"They had a penalty saved when we were 1-0 up and when something like that happens you think the three points are yours. That would have taken us further away from Glossop."

He added: "We want to be in a position where we can play some football without any pressure.

"We've got 13 games left but if we can get to a point where we're clear of the drop I want us to start playing football.

"We're not out of the relegation zone completely, but Flixton are helping us because they keep losing and are well down there with Atherton Collieries."