ERNIE Howe this week spoke the words that loyal Basingstoke Town FC supporters have been desperate to hear: "I'm staying on as manager."

The 51-year-old admitted he was ready to quit this summer.

However, he is now poised to sign a brand-new, one-year rolling contract - thus ending three weeks of speculation over his future as boss at the Camrose.

In a frank interview, the ex-QPR defender made it clear that he had been fully set to end his long-serving tenure because he felt such a massive "sense of failure" and "personal disappointment" when the club didn't automatically make the Conference South league after their semi-final play-off defeat to Lewes.

Howe (pictured) revealed the key factors why he abandoned plans to leave and is now eager to lead the club into an exciting new era.

They are:

Hendon's surprise withdrawal from the Conference South - a move that opened a back-door route into the restructured non-league set-up for Town

the overwhelming public support of the club's senior officials and supporters who wanted him to remain in charge

the successful outcome to his crunch talks last week with president Rafi Razzak and the Basingstoke Town Limited (BTL) board of directors over his future and the direction of the club

the fact he has been given his first-ever contract at the club as well as a testimonial and other functions to reward him for 12 years' committed service.

Howe told The Gazette: "I was terribly down after the Lewes game because of the way we had performed and what it meant to the club and me.

"The sense of failure was massive and a huge personal disappointment. I had made up my mind to walk away. I'd had enough.

"After the season we had, people could have been very nasty, as has been the case elsewhere.

"I was expecting that criticism to happen. I was very down and ready to go."

He added: "However, getting into the new league, albeit by default, was probably the biggest boost the club, and myself, could have received. It was a pivotal reason in my decision to stay."

Equally crucial in prompting Howe's change of heart have been the rallying calls from the Town faithful to continue at the helm.

He said: "It's been nice to get so much backing, and not just from those at the top of the club.

"It's even come from people I didn't expect.

"I really have appreciated it - hearing and reading their support of me. It means a lot. People have convinced me I've still got a job to do here.

"I think, and hope, I have made the right decision to stay. I want to repay their faith."

On his meetings and discussions, Howe said: "I obviously have had my own personal feelings about certain issues, and certain things had to be said.

"I was open and honest in my talks with Rafi and the board. Rafi was very supportive of me and what I had done generally and felt it was the wrong time to go away.

"I know the people I am working with now on the board are genuinely trying to do the right things for the club.

"That was another major issue for me deciding to stay."

Howe spent the weekend pondering the package offered by the BTL board last Friday night.

He then informed BTL vice-chairman Steve Murfitt on Monday that he would be staying and signing the proposed contract - subject to a few minor details being ironed out.

On his deal, Howe said: "We still have to sort a few little issues, but I've been given assurances so I expect everything to be concluded as it should be."

He added: "It was a nice gesture on their part to offer the testimonial, because it's something I've never pushed for even though I could have.

"Now I have to form a committee to arrange the various functions over the season."

Murfitt told The Gazette: "In all the talks we've had, we told him to forget about the football club and do what's best for him and his family.

"Ernie did have to be persuaded, but we always wanted him to stay and we're all delighted he has chosen to.

"He is the man to take us forward, and we've offered him a contract in writing to sign.

"We've also presented the budget he will have to work with."

His future assured, for one more campaign at least, Howe is now focusing on player recruitment - especially finding a replacement for striker Craig McAllister - and arranging pre-season friendlies.

But he is under no illusions about the task facing him in the 2004-2005 season.

He said: "It's not going to be easy.

"It's another critical year for us and we still need the required help financially.

"We won't be on an even keel with other clubs in the league and what they can afford to pay players.

"Our budget is going to be pretty much the same - there are no increases - but if we can boost sponsorship and generate more finance then the budget will be increased.

"That's something the board are working hard on."