Manager Steve King is prepared to be patient as he attempts to recruit players to improve Deal’s squad.

While they recently revealed 17 players have committed to stay, the Hoops are yet to announce any new additions.

They cannot compete financially with some of their Southern Counties East Premier Division rivals. But King thinks they may be able to uncover a gem or two.

“It’s been difficult because we have to get players in that will make a top-three SCEFL side better,” King said. “That, along with our location, makes it hard.

“To sign players that make us stronger, we’re going to have to compete with some of the others. We cannot get near some of the money other clubs are offering.

“But, at the end of the day, it’s none of our business how other clubs operate and I don’t blame players.

“If we can find a couple of gems people have not heard of, that’s what we will do.

“Take out Tom Chapman and Aaron Millbank, most of our players have made their name at the football club.

“We will see what the start of pre-season and the start of the season brings.”

Deal’s patience paid off this time last year, with striker Millbank signing from Herne Bay shortly after the season had started.

King said: “We will always run sustainably. The club is brilliantly run but it works within its means.

“That means, in two or three years, the club should be in a strong position with a really solid base.”

The Hoops will again be aiming to compete for honours. They came third in the league while they were stunned in the Kent Senior Trophy Final.

King said: “We’re happy with the project that we are working on.

“People talk about projects in football all the time but I think people can see ours is a certain type of project.”

Deal are looking for a social media manager.

Email chair Natalie Benville at chair@dealtownfc.co.uk if interested.