Tooting & Mitcham boss Billy Smith has admitted that keeping hold of promotion hero Paul Vines will be his number one priority this summer.

Vines struck a priceless winner as the Terrors clinched a place in the Ryman League Premier Division with a 1-0 play-off final victory over Cray Wanderers on Saturday.

And Smith revealed that the scouts were circling around his star striker.

He said: "Everybody is looking for a goalscorer and Paul is one of the best there is.

"Hopefully, we can hang on to him for next season as he is vital to us.

"Paul had a lot of clubs showing him the door earlier in his career.

"We gave him a chance and he has repaid us in full."

Vines's 79th-minute strike settled a nervy encounter as Tooting erased the bitter memory of their play-off heartache last year to spark the celebrations at Imperial Fields.

But Smith insisted he had had full confidence in his side.

He added: "Everybody was saying how nervous they were, but I was quite relaxed as in the back of my mind I knew that we had already beaten them three times this season.

"I always felt one goal was going to decide it and I thought we deserved it."

The squad now head to Majorca for a well-earned rest before Smith will outline his plans for life in the Ryman Premier Division.

And he is convinced his side have what it takes to make a splash at the next level.

He added: "I think most of the players are capable of playing at a higher level.

"It will make a nice change to go up against teams who try to play football.

"Everyone knows this is a club I have a lot of feelings for.

"We have been in the doldrums for too long, and I hope we can push on from here."