CRAIG White is confident Bournemouth’s interim coaching trio can lead a promotion push next term – provided the club’s structure is in order.

White, Dan Connolly and player-coach Tim Collier presided over their third win in five National Three South West matches on Saturday as Lions trumped Newton Abbot 28-3.

That run of form has helped Bournemouth boost their bid to avoid back-to-back relegations, extending from three to 13 points their buffer over the dreaded drop zone.

White insisted he had yet to formally discuss any long-term plans with the club’s top brass but revealed he would relish the opportunity to lead Lions permanently.

Quizzed on his future, White told the Daily Echo: “We will sit down with the chairman and make a decision at a later date.

“The three of us need to have a chat with those in power about what we want for the players going forward so we will see if we can come to some sort of agreement.

“I would like to see a structure in place that allows the guys to be coached and enjoy it.

“Like Tim and Dan, I have enjoyed it. All three of us would like to be here next season to see how far we can take this group but there are still decisions to be made.”

White continued: “We are not talking about relegation or playing within ourselves. If we want to build to get out of this league next season, which we have ambitions to do, there is no point thinking that way.

“The players need to just go out and enjoy themselves, play for each other and that is what they are doing. There is a more relaxed atmosphere within the group but there is still a long way to go.

“We are not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination, there is still a great deal to do on and off the field but it is all positive.

“It is all about the guys. Everything we do is about them and that is starting to come through in the performances.”

On their latest win, White added: “The guys worked really hard. Our pack of four and fly-half made outstanding contributions and the backline did everything we asked them to.

“For the first time in ages we picked up no yellow cards which was a testament to our discipline. That made the difference along with some good rugby.”