Knight is given cash pledge by Dhillon

The former Halesowen Town, Redditch and Evesham United defender took over at Townsend Meadow in October with Racers cut adrift at the bottom of the Midland Combination Premier having taken just five points from a possible 39.

A massive overhaul of the playing staff saw Racers win two and draw one of Knight’s first four league games in charge.

And, despite a 2-1 defeat at Nuneaton Griff last time out, chairman Bob Dhillon has seen enough to provide extra funding for his rookie manager, while also putting plans in place to start an under-21 side next season.

“We had a meeting on Tuesday night and I’ve negotiated a budget for players and coaching staff,” said Knight, who left himself out of the side at Griff due to illness.

“The club aren’t financially out of the mire, but the board have proved their faith in me and whatever I’ve asked of them they’ve given me.

“They know that you get what you pay for and we are at a point where we need a bit of quality.

“The money will help me bring in one or two extra players and also make sure we look after some of those we want to keep for next season.”

An 88th-minute goal from Nuneaton Griff’s leading scorer Mitchell Piggon prevented Racing Club gaining the point they needed to haul themselves off the bottom of the table on Saturday.

The visitors had taken a first-half lead through Tyrone Smith, but found themselves on the back foot after the break.

However, despite their territorial advantage, it took Griff until the 77th minute to break down the stubborn Racers defence, Steve Flavell glancing a header past Ollie Manuel.

It still looked as though the visitors had done enough to secure a draw, only for Piggon to drive the ball home at the third attempt after two superb blocks from Manuel.

“We did really well in the first half and to concede with almost the last kick of the game is gutting,” said Knight.

“We could have been 3-0 up in the first half, but we didn’t take out chances, whereas they were clinical.

“We did struggle in the second half but that was more due to a lack of concentration than a lack of fitness.”

Weather permitting, Racing Club entertain Bartley Green tomorrow (3pm) in the first of a run of three fixtures which Knight believes can yield maximum points.

It is followed by a short trip to Alveston on Monday December 27 (11.30am) and a home clash with Southam on Monday January 3 (noon).

“Every single one of the next three is winnable,” he said. “We have to treat them like a mini cup competition, with the final against Southam.”