Gravesend kick off the new season this weekend with greater squad depth than they’ve had for years.

New recruits from local rivals and youngsters promoted from the club’s academy system have bolstered the 1st XV ahead of their London 1 South campaign.

And with more quality throughout the club, Gravesend are hoping to see their 2nd XV make big strides in 2017-18.

Chris Wilkins, starting his fourth season as coach, said: “What we’ve been about all the time has been trying to develop long-term sustainability through the club. We have been thin on the ground over the last few years but we’re starting to get there.

“First-team wise, having a bit more depth will help. It’s a tough league. I’m expecting it to be a competitive division so we’ll need to work hard for every good result. We were about 50-50 wins and losses last season so we’d like to get a couple more wins and, over the next few years, improve our play and move up the league gradually while developing the depth.

“We’re realistic enough to know it’s going to take time for the youngsters to come through.

“They’re not just going to walk in and be good first team players but we’ll try to keep developing our players and nudging up the league.”

Gravesend start at home to newly-promoted Medway on Saturday.

Wilkins said: “It’s a great game, a big local derby. They’ve been developing over the years and have come up through the leagues and done well.

“All of our lads are looking forward to it while understanding it’s going to be a tough game.”