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Danny Chapman admits Faversham Town’s rebuild has been no easy feat for himself and co-manager Phil Miles.
The Lilywhites have approached their summer business with a focus on sustainability, taking a step away from contract-based agreements.
An emphasis on recruiting youth has been key as Town seek to avoid the financial difficulties other clubs have been faced with.
Chapman said: “It has been difficult, we’ve kept some players and bought in players we know. Obviously with the budget being reduced a bit it has been difficult because we’ve had to work in that budget.
“We have still got money to spend obviously, but like I’ve said before, it’s got to be the right player and the right fit for Faversham. We’re not just going to spend money.
“Ideally we’d love to sign some players but they cost money. We have to work in our means, if it’s a young player it’s a young player but he has to be good enough.
“The problem we had last year was that all of the players were under contract. There were some players we liked and some we didn’t like, that’s just human nature and how it is, but at the time we couldn’t get rid of them because they were under contract.
“One or two left of their own accord which is fair enough, but we were tied because the best part were under contract.
“This year it’s a non-contract basis and it’s down to the player.
“If they’re performing then lovely, if they’re not there will be changes made so it’s entirely up to the player.”
With little under a month to go until the new season, Faversham are staying alert to players still on the hunt for opportunities as clubs begin to prune their squads.
Chapman added: “It has been difficult finding players, but there is still a month to go before the season starts and players will become available.
“That’s what we’re looking to do as well, pick up pieces, or pick up players that aren’t going to play at other clubs and might want to play at our club.
“As long as the boys are keeping themselves fit.
“The trialists that have come in, you can’t really judge them on the Margate game or the Gillingham game.
“But the Folkestone and Canterbury games you can judge them on a bit, as well as the Rusthall game and the Tunbridge Wells game.
“They’re the games you can really start to judge them on and start making decisions from. Hopefully in the next week or 10 days we’ll be making decisions but we won’t be messing anybody about.”
Faversham, who beat Canterbury City 3-2 on Saturday and defeated Tunbridge Wells 2-1 on Tuesday evening, continue their pre-season programme at Rusthall on Saturday.
