Faversham boss James Collins can't wait to unleash his new side when they begin their upcoming Isthmian South East campaign, writes Joe Harbert.

The 37-year-old, who will begin his first full season in charge of the Lilywhites once non-league football gets the nod to restart, has been one of the division's busiest bosses throughout lockdown.

Collins has already confirmed a 17-man squad so far for the season ahead, including eight new arrivals.

The club have also announced that first-team stars including the likes of Lewis Chambers, Donvieve Jones, Luke Watkins, Tom Loynes and Josh Dorling will remain at Salters Lane for at least another year.

Collins says the club's efficiency and progress in the transfer market has left him feeling upbeat in improving on their 17th-place finish last season, despite assistant boss Nick Davis leaving his role to take the vacant managerial position at VCD Athletic on Saturday.

The former Chatham manager said: "Most of the people we wanted to keep have stayed, and it's probably been my easiest pre-season of recruiting people.

"Aaron Ibe may also stay - we're still talking to him, and young goalkeeper Harry Earls will re-sign as well.

"We'd still like to get one or two more in, but apart from that I'm really happy with what we've done.

"If we can get a squad of 19 players and use some of the under-18 and under-23s, then that would be ideal - I always try and build for the future at whichever club I've been at and provide competition.

"I've also always had teams that like to score goals, and we've got more attacking options now with players that are also now mine - we've got four wingers and a team with lots of pace and energy.

"So although I felt we needed to bring in half of a completely brand new team to freshen it up and improve, it makes me feel excited to unleash these players."

Striker Ben Francis and midfielder Grant Brown have also joined Collins' ranks at the club, former Dartford and Motherwell players respectively, and Collins believes they will help provide more consistency for the team when football resumes.

"We'll be much better prepared compared to last year, which was inconsistent and a tough slog, but something that we will reap the benefits of this season," he added.

"A good player is one that delivers week in, week out, and some guys at times were a nine out of ten one week and then a four the next, and that's something we're working on improving.

"We've got a quite young side this season, and that's why we've brought in a couple of more experienced players that are not only top-drawer, but will help the youngsters and the team's consistency.

"There is bundles of potential in the squad now and it's my job to get that out of them, and that's something I'm really excited about.

"I just know that I want to give the supporters a team they can be proud of and one they can enjoy watching play - we had a couple of snippets of that last season but not enough, so with the potential in the side that we're building, I want to see that unfold."

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