Sam Denly is in confident mood about his summer squad-building plans and hopes to reveal his first signings shortly.

The Herne Bay boss looks set to retain most of last season’s squad, although defender Dan Bent could be an exception, with plans to travel to the United States.

The former Corinthian defender, who moved to Winch’s Field on loan from Gillingham last season, has been released by the League 1 club.

Denly said: “Things are looking positive. Keeping players was always the plan, while adding two or three new players. I have been speaking to players and talked to another on Tuesday night.

“I am reluctant to name names at the moment but hope to be able to do so in a week or two.”

Denly has made changes to his backroom team, following coach Ben Smith’s move to former groundsharers Canterbury City as joint first-team manager.

UEFA B-qualified Mick Santer is joining the club and Bay hope to announce the appointment of a new under-21 coach shortly, following Alan Birchard’s decision to step down last season.

Denly said: “Ben and I have worked together for two years and have a good relationship. He wants to get into management and this opportunity came up. I wish him all the best.”