RADSTOCK Town manager Ian Lanning has expressed immense pride in his "young guns" after the Miners successfully navigated a treacherous end-of-season run to secure their status in the first division of the Jewson League.

Speaking on the latest Jewson Western League podcast, Lanning reflected on a campaign defined by a local rebuilding project and a final-day surge.

The tension at Southfields reached a fever pitch during the season finale against Keynsham Town. Despite falling behind to a second-half penalty, Radstock showed remarkable composure to turn the tide, eventually securing a 2-1 victory thanks to a decisive header from Danny Carpenter.

Lanning noted that a "fantastic win" against AEK Boco the previous week provided the essential "buffer zone" and psychological lift required to handle the high-stakes finale.

It hasn't been an easy road for the Radstock boss, who oversaw a total squad reconstruction last summer after losing key personnel to clubs with deeper pockets. Embracing a "local core," Lanning blooded a significant number of former U18 players into the senior setup. This youth-centric approach resonated with the community, as the club recorded its highest average attendance in seven years, regularly drawing crowds of over 100 to Southfields.

While Lanning is delighted with securing survival, he was honest about the "frustrating" aspects of the season. "I think we've dropped 32 points this season from winning positions," Lanning revealed, identifying game management as a key area for growth. However, the foundations are solid; despite their league position, Radstock’s defensive record ranked within the division’s top ten. Looking ahead, the manager is wasting no time. With preseason planning having started as early as January, Lanning is already conducting player reviews and targeting new recruits. The full interview with Ian Lanning can be found on episode 37 of the Jewson Western League Podcast, available online at https://www.westernleague.co.uk/