HARRY Wheeler believes Billericay Town’s future is bright after becoming self-sustainable.

The National League South side have cut the wage bill ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

And Wheeler, who returned for a second spell in charge of Town in January, is pleased to have seen key players take a pay cut to remain at the AGP Arena.

The Billericay boss said: “We have become self-sustainable and it has not been easy at all.

“The budget has gone down to a sustainable level and we have been able to keep hold of some really good players.

“It’s fantastic that we have been able to keep players like Sam Deering, Jake Robinson and Moses Emmanuel despite the cutbacks.

“I’m also delighted with the players that we have brought in.

“It’s good business by the club and credit has to go to owner Glenn Tamplin and Dan Groves.”

Billericay missed out on a National League South play-off place on the final day of last term.

And, while Wheeler and assistant player-manager Jamie O’Hara are keen to push on for promotion, chairman Groves is keen to not put pressure on the side.

Groves said: “I would be happy with a nice, boring mid-table finish with no drama.

“But, as we all know, that doesn’t exist at Billericay.

“Although the budget is vastly reduced, it’s still competitive.

“In this league, it’s probably a mid-table budget so my expectations of Harry, Jamie and Glenn would be mid-table.

“We have settled in the National League South and we’d be happy with that.

“However, I believe our chances of pushing for promotion are pretty good this season.

“I believe the squad is stronger this season than last season with half the budget.

“It’s going to be interesting and getting into the play-offs would be unreal.”