Manager Tommy Warrilow has spoken of the importance of a positive relationship between Faversham’s players and fans.

The Lilywhites started pre-season with a 4-1 Bob Amor Trophy defeat at home to last season’s Isthmian South East play-off semi-finalists Sittingbourne despite summer recruit Frannie Collin’s weekend goal.

Like many clubs, the Southern Counties East Premier Division side brought the kick-off time forward at Salters Lane before many stayed at the ground to watch England triumph in their Euro 2024 quarter-final penalty shootout against Switzerland.

“There was a good gate on Saturday,” said Warrilow, whose run of warm-up fixtures will continue with home games against Sheppey this weekend and Isthmian Premier outfit Hastings on Tuesday. “There were 300-odd there.

“Sittingbourne always bring a few - it will be similar when we play Sheppey.

“Our players are always going to be in the clubhouse after home games. They will go to get their food.

“If the fans want to have a chat, they’re there to be spoken to - even during the bad times.

“That’s when you find out more about everyone. I thought we had that last year.

“Lots of fans stay in the bar after games and that’s what it’s all about because we all want to get out of this league.

“We want to win every game. But you need to be approachable, as well.

“But it’s also maybe about the fans being surprised at what the players have to say and getting to understand them a bit more because they’re an honest set of lads.

“That’s something that needs to happen through the good times and the bad times.”

Vastly-experienced Collin at least got off the mark against the Brickies with an 80th-minute free-kick.

“We’re lucky enough to have Sam Hasler and Frannie Collin,” said Warrilow. “Anyone in football will tell you their deliveries are second to none.

“We can think ‘Who’s taking it, the left-footer or the right-footer?’. It was nice to have them both on the pitch.

“With Frannie, the older you get, the more versatile you become.

“Without sounding stupid, I just want everyone to enjoy their football this season.

“The stigma at the club is around the finances and it becomes a bit boring, to be honest, after a while.

“We will just get on with it. If it’s good enough, it’s good enough - but let’s just enjoy ourselves.

“If you win a game at Faversham, it doesn’t really matter but if you lose a game that’s massively highlighted.

"It’s a shame the off-the-pitch stuff is not highlighted more, as well, in terms of what is happening with the youth section and we have the women’s team now.

“As long as everyone gives everything, that’s all we can ask for.”

The result of the Bob Amor Trophy fixture had effectively been decided long before 37-year-old Collin found the target, though, with Mitchell May rounding things off for the visitors soon after.

But Warrilow isn’t too worried about results at this stage, saying: “I was speaking to Max (Brickies boss Ryan Maxwell) beforehand and they played two teams.

“Second half, we dwindled a little bit fitness-wise. I knew we would. But, when I stripped it all back, they were the better team on the day.

“Some of the goals, we could have done better with and we even could have gone ahead before that.

“Three were still away. No one wants to lose 4-1 but, from our point-of-view, we just wanted as many minutes as we could out of Saturday. Then, we reversed it a little bit on Tuesday.

“The most important thing is to be ready for July 27 (the first league game of the season).

“I got smashed 10-0 in a friendly one season - and we got promoted that year!

“Even if you look at the highest level, at the Euros, England are getting battered at the minute. Of course, I understand why but we’re still into the final.

“It’s very easy to get carried away but it’s only pre-season.

“Like everyone, we’re going to have good bits, there’s going to be some bad bits. I don’t really think any team goes through a whole season without a dip.

“It’s about not overreacting but nipping it in the bud as soon as possible.”

Faversham have been handed away draws in both the FA Cup Preliminary Round and FA Vase First Qualifying Round against Bexhill United and divisional rivals Fisher, respectively.

Ironically, their only home draw has come in the Challenge Cup - against ground tenants Faversham Strike Force!

“That’s the home game we got,” said Warrilow.

“But even if we drew them away, it wouldn’t have made that much of a difference!”

Town visited Division 1 Rochester, losing 1-0 to a goal from ex-forward Max Morgan on Tuesday while the Lilywhites also played 40 minutes of the second half with 10 men.