Corinthian Casuals boss Matt Howard reckons the fact his players are not paid is behind their rise tot he Ryman Division One South summit this term – that and a mid-season trip to Brazil, at least.

Casuals followed up Saturday’s 3-2 win at Redhill with a 1-0 triumph over Carshalton Athletic on Tuesday – thanks to skipper Joe Hicks – to go top of the table, albeit for only 24 hours.

The club has seen a dramatic change in its fortunes since Howard’s arrival last term, as they avoided relegation having been bottom of the table for much of the season.

It has led to some to question the amateur status of their players this term, but the King George’s Field chief insists it is just good man management.

“People in our league have commented that we must be paying our players, but I would flip that round and ask them why are they paying theirs?” he said.

“The dressing room is a great place to be at the moment. It is a very tight knit group that just want to play football for each other.

“They all know there is no money when they sign up, but they come to play a good level of football.

“The players do get looked after where we can. There is always hot food for them, the pitch is good and we lay on coaches for away travel.

“We are not getting carried away. Do not get me wrong, I’m over the moon with the position we are in, but I’ve already told the chairman we are probably nine wins from safety.”

Casuals famously helped inspire the foundation of South American giants Corinthians Paulista, when they toured Brazil in 1910.

The current squad hope to walk in the footsteps of their fore fathers with a potential tour to take on their Brazilian brothers in January.

“It will be a once-in-a lifetime trip to Brazil and the boys want to be involved with,” added Howard.

“But they have promised they will not all leave after that.”

Former Kingstonian striker Carl Wilson-Dennis broke his duck for the club with what proved to be the winner on Saturday and Howard expects the experienced forward to only get better.

“He has got get fit, but he has bags of experience and is a great lad,” he said.

“He likes being around the club and hopefully he will only become more of a threat as the season goes on.”

Casuals host Three Bridges today.