MANAGING director Chris Pinder believes 2016 will be a “turning point” in Malvern Town’s history as he revealed their ambition to secure promotion within the next three years and almost double their attendances.

After a successful 2015, which saw them win the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn and finish fifth in the West Midlands League Premier Division, Pinder has set out Malvern’s goals for the next 12 months.

One of their main targets was to make their “loss-making” clubhouse “a funding generator” and Pinder believes this will be made possible following a £80,000 refurbishment, which is set to begin next month.

Pinder, who took over the tenth-tier team in 2013, admitted he felt interest in Malvern had “plateaued” last year, so they were now making renewed efforts to get supporter numbers at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium up to more than 200.

“We are probably the best supported team in our league as we get over 100 fans at each game and I think we can certainly attract more,” he said.

“Like any business, you recognise that point where you need to invest to take it to another level and I feel like it is the same for the football club.

“So this year we want to put that right as I don’t want to be coasting along at one level. I always want to be on the up.”

After a slow start, Malvern have climbed to 10th in the table and Pinder is confident Les Jones’ side can be future title-challengers despite being 18 points adrift of leaders Shawbury United this season.

“After two years of learning about the league and running the club, I believe there are no teams in our league that we haven’t beaten,” he said.

“Since (Sporting) Khalsa left, there is no-one that we look at and think, ‘They are a significantly better side than us’, so I think it is realistic to think that in 2018 we would be promoted.

“We would be challenging this season if it had not been for some unfortunate injuries.

“There is a one in 22 chance to win the title but when we won the senior urn last year we beat several teams in the league above to get to the final, so I have no doubt that we can compete at that level.

“Getting promotion is the toughest part and you need depth of squad, consistency and a bit of luck to do that.

“I know there are supporters who just think it is a ludicrous idea to suggest that we could get promoted without paying our players but when I look at how close we came in finishing fifth last season, I do think we do have a chance of being promoted.”

With the help of a £50,000 injection from Malvern Hills District Council, Pinder, who has offered the remaining £30,000 himself for the revamp, says they are looking to “modernise” the entire clubhouse.

The plans include creating a larger function room and kitchen along with brand new toilets and the addition of a disabled toilet, as well as double glazing and full insulation.

“There will also be a new eight-foot video wall alongside the existing 103-inch plasma screen.

Pinder added: “I am excited and I hope other people get excited as well as this can be a vintage year for the club.

“You see turning points in football matches which change games and I am hoping this will be a turning point in the club’s history which will elevate us to the next level.”