BASINGSTOKE Town boss Ernie Howe may not be about to quit the club, despite the recent disappointments.

Town lost out to Lewes in the play-offs for an automatic place in the Conference South but were then given a berth in the new set-up by default as Hendon declined to take their place.

Howe, whose future is in his own hands, was having a number of meetings this week with Town officials before making a decision.

The first was on Wednesday with club president Rafi Razzak and tonight he was due to meet the directors of the club.

Howe felt his meeting with Razzak was very constructive. He said: "Both of us were able to outline what direction we felt this football club should be going and what is best for it in the long run."

The Town boss will now see what the directors' vision is for the club and what is going to be put in place as Basingstoke face a much tougher season next term in the Conference South.

Last week the Town boss was given a vote of confidence from club directors and also the feedback from most of the fans is they want the former QPR defender to stay in charge for the coming campaign.

Howe was overwhelmed by the backing he had been given and said: "Of course it is nice to have so many people wanting me to stay and I am grateful for their support, which makes my decision to walk away that much harder."

He added: "I have to convince myself it is the right decision for me. I know if I decide to move on then it will be a job that does not involve football."

Basingstoke's opening pre-season friendly will be against Farnborough Town on Tuesday, July 13 (7.30pm) at the Camrose.