James Campbell is the new club captain of Herne Bay.

Boss Simon Halsey believes the defender (pictured) is the ideal choice to help his young players following former skipper Luke Harvey’s move to Faversham.

Halsey said: "Luke was a great captain. He was my right-hand man off the pitch as well and I’m hoping Cams will be exactly the same.

"He stood in last season and I’m confident he’ll be a good leader and use his experience to help our young lads. There might be times when we’re on the verge of gaining an important point away from home and we’ll need him to see out the game."

Halsey is promising fans "a few surprises" in the transfer market over the coming weeks.

He’ll get his first look at a host of trialists on Saturday when Bay travel to Woodstock Sports to contest the Carl Davies Memorial Trophy (3pm), while the clubs’ reserve sides will also meet.

That’s followed by the Bruce Smith Shield derby at rivals Whitstable on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Halsey said: "Our trialists won’t know much about the Whitstable rivalry, so it’s a good game to throw them into. We’ll see how they handle the energy and tempo of a big game. If it gets too much for them, then perhaps they’re not the players I’m looking for.

"But, if they keep their composure, they may get a chance here.

"We’re going about our business quietly, but there will be a few surprises."

Bay have drawn Folkestone at home in the FA Cup preliminary round on August 25.

And there’s another Kent derby to look forward to, with Chatham the visitors to Winch’s Field in the FA Trophy preliminary round on September 15.