Faversham defender Matt Bourne is continuing to recover from the groin injury that sidelined him at the end of last season.

Boss Ray Turner is hoping the former Sittingbourne centre-half will be ready to figure in the second half of the club’s pre-season campaign.

He said: "Matt is making slow progress. We are not sure he is going to be ready when we start back on July 2 but it’s a gradual process."

There is good news about skipper Tom Hickman who returned quicker than expected from a dislocated shoulder.

Hickman (pictured) played through the pain barrier for the last few games of the season with it heavily strapped, after good work by physio Gary Metcalfe.

Turner added: "I spoke to Tom the other day and he says the shoulder is getting stronger and he won’t need an operation. Ashley Brown will also be ready for pre-season."

The Faversham boss, preparing for his first full season in charge, has 21 players reporting back in two weeks’ time.

He said: "It’s a great boost that all the players have committed themselves to the club.

"We still have to look at a few options up front and the balance of the squad but will do that toward the end of
pre-season."

Turner will also talk to striker Richard Sinden about his plans.

He said: "We will sit down, have a chat and come up with what is best for the player and the club.

"He wants to be playing regularly, is great to have around the squad and has only been good for Faversham. I don’t expect a problem."