Hayden Bird has warned Carshalton Athletic's Ryman League Premier Division rivals that the Robins mean business next season.

Having seen his side escape relegation on goal difference thanks to last-day heroics, Bird has set about preparing for the future. And he revealed an influx of fresh talent had left him optimistic.

Bird said: "I reckon we will have nine players coming in from Conference South clubs.

"I think the Carshalton squad will be the strongest it has been for a number of years.

"It will be my squad of players, my Carshalton Athletic and my ambitions. It will be a season to remember."

Bird is expected to raid former club Sutton United for players after their release by new manager Paul Doswell.

But the Robins boss dismissed talk of living off cast-offs.

He said: "I want to make clear that I am not bringing players in because they are being released by Sutton.

"I will be bringing players in because I want them to be Carshalton Athletic players.

"I was at Sutton United and it is only natural that, when you build relationships with players, they want to continue that relationship."