New Faversham striker Mark Lovell says he wants to be part of Town’s tilt for the title next season.

The 33-year-old swapped Herne Bay for the Shepherd Neame Stadium last week as one of five new arrivals in Ray Turner’s squad which fell narrowly short of a fourth play-off campaign in five years in Ryman League, Division 1 South.

Former Tonbridge and Ramsgate man Lovell – who immediately set himself a 20-goal target next term – said: “I’ve known Ray for a number of years now and I know some of the lads at the club.

“Faversham are always pushing for the play-offs and trying to get up the top of the league. It’s something Ray really wants to achieve this year and I want to be a part of it.”

He added: “It’s always been a lovely club, it’s only 15 minutes down the road from me and the club’s always pushing at the right end of the league. It’s a good club on the pitch but off it as well. The facilities reflect the ambition of the club.”

Lovell was one of five new signings on the same day. Former Lilywhites keeper Simon Overland returns from Sittingbourne to replace the departing Will Godmon, while 18-year-old Gills youngster Sam Lawford, who finished last season at Ramsgate, will join Lovell in boosting Town’s attacking options.

Turner has also added two central midfielders – Sheppey United’s Danny Walder and Ramsgate’s Macauley Murray – to his ranks.

He said: “I’ve got the appetite to build a side to challenge again. It shows the club’s intent.”

“All those players are going to offer us something and add to the strength in depth. One of the things that stood out for me last season was that at times we didn’t have the strength in depth to challenge some of the better teams – just not a competitive 16.

“I want that drive and hunger and that’s only generated by creating that little bit of competition within the team.”