FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin has set his players a target for the rest of the season.

The Seasiders are tenth in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division with 41 points from their 27 games.

Now Austin wants them to finish strongly, cement a top-ten spot and accumulate at least 58 points.

That's the total he has in mind and one he believes would represent a solid, encouraging campaign - giving the team a platform to push on next term.

"For a while, my target has been 58 points," he told the Gazette.

"I've looked at our remaining games and would consider that an achievable, acceptable total.

"It means we need another 17 points from our 11 games.

"And given the way the boys have been playing, taking responsibility in matches, that's what we should be aiming for.

"We have to finish strongly, be ambitious and certainly not let the season fizzle out.

"If we can do that, it'll give us a really solid platform next season and that's exciting."

Clacton drew 0-0 at home to Hadleigh United on Saturday.

They head to Haverhill Rovers this weekend before a home game against leaders Histon next Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Austin has wished striker or winger Max Booth luck after the frontman joined Southern League division one south side Cambridge City.

"We're very sorry to see Max go," said Austin.

"But it's obviously great news for him.

"I'd never stop a player playing at the highest level possible and have no problem with him leaving.

"Max really improved during his time with us and, by his own admission, got his hunger and love for football back.

"Now he's got this chance and while we never want to lose our best players, it just shows the boys that they're being watched.

"We want our players to improve during their time with us and if that leads to them getting an opportunity higher up the pyramid then good luck to them."

Austin also thanked assistant bosses Ade Webster and Glenn Eldridge for their help and hard work in the last fortnight, taking charge while the Clacton boss was on holiday in Thailand.