Strathspey Thistle manager Gordon Nicolson feels additional funding will be required to break through a ceiling he reckons the Jags are approaching.
This week Thistle marked their 27th anniversary since forming as a junior club, before entering the Highland League in 2009.
They were on course for a record high league position this year, having been 13th when the campaign was ended due to coronavirus.
After leading the club to 14th spot the previous season, Nicolson feels there is plenty to build on, but says more funds are needed in the years ahead to bridge the gap with teams further up the table.
He said: “It started as a club that did very well in the junior leagues but I think the step up to the Highland League and the cost of doing that affected what happened on the pitch, to an extent.
“We’ve developed a great ground and I would be quite confident in saying our pitch is one of the best in the league.
“We are making strides. The big difference maker is finance and we are not by any means a wealthy club.
“It’s no surprise the teams at the top end of the league are the teams that spend the most money.
“There will be a point where we reach a ceiling unless we can get that kind of financial backing.
“That point will be coming over the next couple of seasons.”
Nicolson and assistant Tommy Wilson, who previously worked together in Caley Thistle’s youth setup, both recently signed two-year extensions at Seafield Park.
Nicolson is excited by the challenge ahead for the Grantown club, adding: “Being a local boy I have always kept an eye on how Strathspey are getting on.
“It’s a good project to be part of. We’ve got our targets and ambitions to try to move things forward, but we are realistic as well about how far things can go.”
