FRANK Gray admits that Basingstoke Town are still some way off challenging the top teams in the Blue Square South – but he is hoping to bridge the gap over the summer.

The Town manager was frustrated by his side’s performances against teams challenging for honours, something that came to a head in their final two away games, which saw them lose 3-0 at Dover and 4-0 at Welling.

Over the course of the season, Basingstoke won just one and lost six of their away games against the sides who finished the campaign in the top eight, a record they must improve if they are to challenge themselves next time around.

“We know we have got a decent squad but we are not where we want to be and our results against the teams at the top of the table, especially away from home, have not been good enough,” Gray said.

“We have gone to Welling, Dover, Ebbsfleet and Chelmsford and been well beaten. That must tell us something. We need to be going to places like that and challenging.

“At the moment we are an OK mid-table side but we want to be higher than that.”

One of Gray’s top priorities over the summer must be to secure a permanent goalkeeper. The loss of Chris Tardif early in the season was a big problem for Town, who had to rely on a succession of temporary solutions.

Former Leeds man Shaun Allaway, who spent time at Staines this season, is a possible summer target according to sources at the club, though his injury record could be a cause for concern.

In defence, Gray will probably look to hold on to Robert Rice, Ross Adams and Jay Gasson. He would also like to retain the services of Callum Reynolds, but the player has indicated that he wants to get back into the full-time ranks, possibly leaving the Town boss in the market for a centre back.

One position where Gray is definitely on the hunt for new blood is left-back. That could mean Matt Finlay’s time at The Camrose coming to an end but he is a very versatile player, providing cover in a number of positions.

The centre of midfield is an area that certainly needs strengthening following the departures of Steve Laidler and Tom Williamson, while Gray is looking to sign a player to provide cover and competition for Matt Warner on the left wing.

Right winger Nathan Smart is the only player already signed for next season, but Matt Pattison must be concerned that he will be shown the exit door after a desperately disappointing campaign.

In attack, Gray will be keen to keep hold of Greg Draper and David Pratt, while he has made no secret of his desire to sign Delano Sam-Yorke on a permanent basis.

“Delano is certainly someone we are looking at but at the moment he is an AFC Wimbledon player,” the Town boss said. “We have declared an interest but just have to monitor the situation.

“There might well be interest from other clubs but that is something we have got to accept. He has been with us for a few months, scored goals, played well and I think he has enjoyed it, so hopefully that will work in our favour.”