Boss Steve King intends to strengthen Deal’s squad - but only if he can find the right players.

Deal finished a point behind second-placed Phoenix Sports and three adrift of champions Erith & Belvedere in the Southern Counties East Premier Division while they were stunned by Punjab in a one-sided Kent Senior Trophy Final.

King will move to bolster his squad this summer if the right fit becomes available, although the main task could be to keep hold of last season’s men who finished their league campaign with a 20-game unbeaten streak.

“Our main priority has been retaining the squad that we had,” King said. “They did incredibly well.

“At this stage, we have been able to do that - although there’s a couple of conversations with people that have been away and stuff like that which need to take place.

“There’s probably two or three areas we need to strengthen.

“But I think everyone knows it’s a difficult market to be working in with the actions of another local club.

“As soon as we can get anything over the line, we will let people know.

“But we’re pretty comfortable running with the squad that were 20 games unbeaten in the league.”

Deal’s squad has proved to be a largely loyal one in recent years, although they did add to it during last term with the arrival of striker Aaron Millbank and young defender Alex Green.

King said: “The important thing for us is we’re always looking to develop the squad.

“It has to be the right fit football-wise but culture-wise as well.

“We brought in two big players last year in Aaron Millbank and Alex Green. They added to us.

“I will look to do the same this season. But it will probably be another one or two people, rather than eight, nine or 10.

“They will need to fit the ethos of the football club.

“We don’t have anyone putting money into the club but hopefully we can get something sorted.”

King watched on as Deal’s reserves beat Rusthall reserves 2-0 at Sheppey’s Holm Park in the Kent Intermediate Cup Final last Wednesday.

That completed a double with the reserves having won Kent County League Division 2 Central & East with a perfect record as well.

“I’m really pleased for them,” said King.

“I thought they played really well last Wednesday because Rusthall reserves were not a bad side. I thought the boys deserved the win, they really acquitted themselves well on the night.

“The league campaign has been a good one - but we all recognise they are below where they should be.

“It was nice to get the trophy against higher-league opponents.

“I watch their training most weeks and I know their players.

“It was a good evening.”

Some of those players will be involved in pre-season training with the Hoops’ first team.

King said: “I have worked with most of the players before in youth football and stuff like that.

“There’s a few of them that will be doing first-team pre-season training.

“It’s quite a big jump to the Southern Counties East Premier Division from Kent County League Division 2 Central & East.

“But I’m looking forward to seeing what I get from them.

“I’m a believer in giving everyone opportunities. If players are good enough, I will make sure they get an opportunity.”

Deal are close to finalising their pre-season schedule, too, along with their retained list while a new signing could also be in the pipeline.

But King revealed: “We had Charlton under-23s last year, we didn’t get that one in. We had Dover last year but they have decided not to travel down to us.

“That’s a little disappointing but that’s their call.

“So, maybe, it’s not as exciting but from a football point of view, we felt that they all offer something.”

They’ll be at Margate on Saturday, July 8.