DAGENHAM and Redbridge manager Gary Hill has got a busy time ahead of him, what with Saturdays FA Cup second round tie against Exeter as well as trying regain top spot of the Conference.

But he readily admits that flying high in the league and being one step away from a possible cup tie with a Premiership side is a busy schedule that he will look forward to tackling.

Speaking to The Guardian on Tuesday, Hill said: "We are all looking forward to Saturday, especially after last years cup run when we did very well.

"We had some wonderful times and have got some great memories of the cup from last season and we want more of it and will be looking forward to more of it again.

"Only Exeter stand between us and the prospect of facing a Premiership team, and that is our aim at the moment, to get in the third round and get another big club.

The clash with the division three outfit has been chosen as the live FA Cup game on Sky, bringing not only more media attention to the Daggers, but an added cash incentive of over £100,000.

So with the money burning a hole in Hill's pocket, what will it be used on?

"It will be used on all sorts of things. It's certainly a nice windfall that has come to the club at a very important time in respect of us having improved our facilities recently.

"It will be useful for strengthening the team should we need to, as where we are in the league at the moment we would like to feel that if there was a player available who would strengthen the squad then we have got the opportunity of going to see the Chairman and getting a bit of help.

It seems as though Dagenham can do no wrong at the moment, so what is the secret of Gary Hills success?

"I think as much as we all have a bit of banter and a laugh and a joke, we are very close. The players have got respect from me and the staff and they respect us back.

"There are times when you can have a laugh and mess about and there are times when you have to get down to work.

"All the new players have fitted in well, not only on the pitch, but off the field of play as well in respect of team moral and knowing the code of discipline.

December 6, 2001 17:38