Canterbury City manager Clive Cook admits it is a difficult time of the year for trialists.

The former Hythe Town boss has taken on four so far this pre-season, in which City have beaten Lydd Town and Ashford United under-23s as well as losing to Kennington.

He is hoping to arrive at a decision on whether or not they fit into his plans at Salters Lane this weekend.

Cook said: "They've not done too bad. Trialists sometimes try too hard, they just need to relax a little bit more and enjoy the ride and if they do that I'll get a better player out of it. They're a bit tense.

"I'll know after Saturday, I've made my mind up on two out of the four really, I'll see what the other two do.

"I've said the first three games were about seeing everybody, now we've got Bet Victor (Isthmian) league sides coming up so I've got to settle the team down ahead of the season, let's see how far we've come."

• Canterbury City manager Clive Cook signs two more

Cook has been pleased with his side's efforts since beginning preparations for the new season, with the absence of players granting others a platform on which to stake a claim.

He added: "It's just been about getting used to the system and gelling together, as I've said it doesn't matter about results.

"It's going very well, we went to Kennington Tuesday night and lost (2-0) but had five out due to holiday and injuries.

"It's about making sure the squad is right and having people away gives me the opportunity to play other players, see what they can do and what they're about.

"We haven't been put under any pressure, it's just the pressure we put on ourselves."

Cook has meanwhile welcomed the return of the FA Cup after City were drawn away to Greenwich Borough FC in the Extra Preliminary Round, with the tie scheduled for August 10.

"It's the FA Cup, it's everyone's dream," he admitted.

"We know we won't win it but you try and stay in it as a long as you can for the finance and also because it tests the players.

"I'm very excited about the fixtures. It always gives you a bit of a buzz."

While pleased with the squad has has put together up until now, Cook is refusing to turn a blind eye to more potential incomings.

He added: "I always look, I never stop looking, you can't afford to. I'm probably on the lookout for one more.

"I'm always looking and talking to managers, especially those in the leagues above. There is another market coming up in a week or so.

City begin their Southern Counties East League Premier Division season away to Welling Town on August 3 and host Glebe on the final day, April 25.

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