Manager Tommy Warrilow admits it’s ridiculous how quickly the start of Faversham’s league campaign has come around.

Warrilow’s Lilywhites finish their run of warm-up fixtures against ground tenants Faversham Strike Force this Saturday before they begin their Southern Counties East Premier Division promotion push next weekend.

Town have made five summer recruits - Frannie Collin, Tashi-Jay Kwayie and Henry Muggeridge having played for Warrilow previously - while they still have one player on trial.

Warrilow said: “It’s ridiculous how quickly it has come around!

“I’ve been speaking to a few people about that. You cannot bring them in any earlier because the boys do need to have a little bit of time away - and they are fit lads.

“With the majority of the work being done last season regarding recruitment, we knew, yes, there’s going to be some work to be done but not an extreme clear-out. We’ll find out on the 27th.

“You can have the best pre-season in the world and start awfully, or vice-versa.

“I’m sure every manager will say the same - and I’d like to say something different - but it’s about the progression and, hopefully, come the 27th we’re ready.”

Forward Kwayie netted in Tuesday’s 1-1 home draw against Hastings before the Isthmian Premier team responded late on.

That came after Faversham were 4-1 victors against Isthmian South East Sheppey last weekend thanks to goals from Kwayie (2), midfielder Billy Bennett and defender Callum Davies.

On the draw with Hastings, Warrilow reflected: “I’m really pleased again.

“We’re just a little disappointed, really, that we didn’t get a few more in the first half.

“The only thing I said at the end was that I thought we gave the ball away cheaply at times - we were winning it back, then giving it away. So, our choice of pass is something to work on.

“But, after Saturday, it’s another positive. I don’t know how many players they used but there were a lot of fresh legs coming on.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the work ethic and the performance.

"But it’s a pre-season game and, like I’ve said from day one, I’m not overly-fussed about the results.”

Town’s experienced trialist midfielder came off the substitutes’ bench in their past two games as he showed some nice touches against Hastings.

Warrilow confirmed: “I’ll have a chat with him.

“He’s only really come here to do the pre-season and see how things went. We will see what’s what. Obviously, he’s playing and we know the score with him.

“It’s just about getting those minutes and getting that match fitness into someone.”

Faversham start the league season against another play-off semi-finalist from last season in Glebe.

Warrilow said: “After last year, a lot will be expected there. But also, I believe they have had a big turnaround of players with the gaffer going.

“You can go and watch teams but you can turn up week-in, week-out - especially in pre-season - and there can be so many changes.

“The most important thing is just to concentrate on ourselves.

“If we’re right, I’m sure we will be okay.”

A game against Faversham Strike Force - who ply their trade one division below the Lilywhites - will be the ideal way to end pre-season and is a fixture which will attract interest throughout the town. They will play for the Faversham Challenge Cup for the first time in memory of Rob Beazleigh, who died in 2022.

Warrilow said: “There should be a few here.

“That’s another thing, as well, that we want to have good gates. Last year, they were increasing and increasing.

“There will be good times, bad times, but the most important thing is to get the atmosphere around the ground and the town back to how it was when finishing last season.

“If we can do that through winning games, that’s great. Like I keep saying to the boys, it’s key that we’re enjoying our football.

“We’re looking forward to the season but there’s no givens in football.

“You just have to concentrate on each game, chalk them off, and that’s the way we will approach it. We will never get too high or too low.

“But, when we’re playing well and progressing, that’s a good sign.”