FRUSTRATED Graham Kemp admits his first full season in the Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ hot seat has tested his patience but has vowed to bring success to Western Way.

They concluded their Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division campaign in ninth position – four places better than last season's 13th finish.

A late surge up the table, winning five of their last eight games, reflected their top ten finish.

Kemp, who succeeded the long-serving Ian Chalk, said: “Maybe it's because I am getting older but this season seemed to have been the hardest work I can remember.

“Me and Jim started off with four players from last season so we had to build virtually from scratch.

“When we took the job, we told Steve Slade (chairman) it would be a minimum of three-years to rebuild.

“Salisbury being put in our league and Amesbury having a close bunch of players made local recruitment difficult.”

“The first half of the season reflected this and there were stages where I couldn’t see a way out.

“Then one or two things went our way with clubs not paying players and some players becoming available and we were able to gradually turn things around.

“Finishing the season eight games undefeated gives us hope.

“I certainly don’t feel finishing ninth is a good season but at Christmas we were 14th and, in my opinion, only heading one way so drastic changes had to be made.”

Kemp says to take the club forward, fresh faces are required.

His summer transfer shopping will get under way after the mini off-season break.

With Salisbury being crowned Sydenhams Wessex Premier champions and Amesbury snapping up runners-spot in Division One, he wants to mastermind silverware.

Kemp continued: “Some decisions have been good and some bad but one thing the club knows is that me and Jim have given 100 per cent from the day we were appointed.

“Signing some more local players is high on the agenda and with pre-season training starting on June 21, anyone who feels they can make a difference is welcome.”

“I am jealous when I see other clubs winning leagues and getting to cup finals and I will give everything I have to get Bemerton in that situation.”