Tooting & Mitcham United boss Craig Tanner has given Craig Watkins a route back into football, and he wants the hitman to fire the Terrors to success next season.

Despite consecutive 0-0 draws, Tanner’s men remain unbeaten in six Ryman Division One South games and have all-but cemented a top half finish this season.

Tanner is convinced the goals will come as his new striking duo of Watkins and former Walton & Hersham front man Juan Onieva begin to gel.

However, he has work to do to keep hold of his old friend Watkins, who bagged 54 goals in 160 appearances at Sutton United but is yet to find the back of the net for the Terrors.

He said: “I’ve known Craig for about 20 years in my time at Met Police and Sutton United among other places.

“He had fallen out of love with non-League football and non-League managers, but I persuaded him to come back.

“Now I am trying to persuade him to stay next season. It's looking positive, because I know he is enjoying his time here, so fingers crossed.”

While the goals are hard to come by, the Terrors’ current run of form is their best of the season so far.

Tanner said: “The good run has come about because the boys are understanding what we want from them, and they are learning to play alongside each other and click as a team rather than a team of individuals.

“I want that taken into next season and I want Craig to be part of it.”

This weekend, the Terrors go to Walton & Hersham.