Manager Steve Lovell is happy with the Herne Bay squad he has assembled ahead of the new season - he just hopes he can now keep it together.

Defender Jack Parter and midfielder Mo Kamara have rejoined the Isthmian South East side while Lovell and son-assistant Mark Lovell have also added midfielders Ethan Smith and Kane Haysman, with defender Ollie Gray, to their ranks.

Going the other way, defender Harrison Pont has agreed to join Isthmian Premier Dover, midfielder Archie Burnett is trying his luck at Lewes and winger Theo Osinfolarin has also moved on for pastures new.

Others could yet follow suit over pre-season, with rival clubs sniffing around some of their non-contract players.

Lovell, who had to build a squad from scratch ahead of last season, said: “The only concern I have - and most managers go through it with their squads - is that there’s a lot of teams that are financially stronger than our team.

“Some are trying to pick up players by offering them something that we’re not in a position to. That’s a concern.

“There’s one or two things going on that I cannot mention too much - but I will do if it happens. It’s a little bit disappointing for me and Mark in a way.

“It might not happen, we’re trying to get these players to stay for footballing reasons. But naturally, if these players are being offered something that we cannot match, they might decide to move on.

“We’re not in a position to put everyone on contract. If I could, I would! But that’s not possible.

“Hopefully, we can get through the pre-season with the players that we want.

“It happens right across the football pyramid. The ones with the most money tend to get the best players, it’s always been like that. That’s why it’s important to get the right character, as well as the right player.

“We were in this position last year and had a very good year. My thoughts on it are ‘We did it last year, we will do it this year again’ and there’s a lot of players at higher clubs.

“Perhaps in two or three weeks’ time, they might not be good enough for that level yet and we might be able to move for them. We’re happy with what we have - but there’s always room for improvement.

“It just might take a little bit longer this year.”

Experienced midfielder Kamara left Bay for a more lucrative offer from Margate in February but has returned to Winch’s Field after Gate’s Isthmian Premier relegation.

Bay’s boss said: “We had Mo last year.

“Mo went to Margate because they offered something we couldn’t get anywhere near! We just said ‘All the best, Mo, I hope it goes well for you’. That put us in good stead with him.

“Financially, that was better for him but, this year, we have got him back.

“You just never know when these players might come back.”

Former Gillingham left-back Parter, 30, is another to have headed back to Herne Bay from rivals Ramsgate - having helped them earn promotion during his first stint at the club.

“I know him from being at Gillingham before,” said experienced Welshman Lovell. “Jack’s a great signing, I’m really pleased that he has come in.

“He’s going to be a great help this year with his experience and his football ability. He had a good year at Ramsgate.

“He’s a great lad, as well, and will be a great addition for us. I’m really pleased he has come to us.

“That shows the way the team wants to go this year, we want to be fighting for the top places.

“It’s going to be tough because there’s some good teams - and they’re spending a lot of money - which makes it a challenge.

“But it’s one that me and Mark are looking forward to.”

Another notable face as Bay have returned to pre-season training is former defender Joe Denny. He has become part of their backroom staff.

Lovell said: “He has come in and is doing a little bit of coaching with me and Mark. Joe’s a good lad, he has some good ideas.

“Sometimes, it’s nice to have a different voice and different ideas. He’s a good technical coach and has already put on some good technical sessions.

“It’s nice to have someone like that to take the load off me and Mark, especially on matchdays.”

Herne Bay play their first pre-season friendly on Saturday (2pm) at home against Hollands & Blair.

“We have got eight friendlies,” said Lovell. “These games give us a chance to look at players, especially trialists, and see what they can do.

“I think we have 23 or 24 players training with us. We will use most of them on Saturday. We will probably have two XIs - or at least use 18 or 19 players.

“Unfortunately, some are going to be let go. But that’s the way football is.

“If they’re not good enough, hopefully, we can find somewhere else for them to play football.”