New Herne Bay boss Steve Lovell has urged fans to be patient as he gets to work.

Welshman Lovell was appointed on Saturday and has already made his first summer signing, bringing in defender Harrison Pont this week.

But Lovell, assisted by son Mark - a former Bay striker - won’t be rushed amid their recruitment drive.

He said: “Players weigh up their options and don’t make their decision until the last moment.

“All I will say to Herne Bay supporters is: Be patient. I will not sign players for the sake of it.

“There’s no time like the present.

“We have come in at the end of one season and the beginning of another.

“If we have to wait until the end of June, the middle of July or even the end of July, we will.

“It’s a waiting game - but we cannot wait too long.”

Lovell has headed to Winch’s Field on a two-year contract.

“It’s a commitment shown by both parties - myself and the club,” he said.

“It means we can concentrate for the next couple of years, building the football club.”

He doesn’t necessarily expect to be going for the league title as Herne Bay return to Isthmian South East after a one-year stay in Isthmian Premier but hopes to build a competitive squad.

Lovell said: “I went down to speak to the new chairman. Obviously, Sam [Callander] has not been there too long.

“He told me his vision of what he wanted to do and I spoke to the other directors. I had no hesitation in saying ‘yes’.

“The potential is enormous with their pitch - it’s one of the best I’ve seen. They look after it really well.

“They’re a well-supported club. They had a bit of success the season before last but last year was a bit of a strange one.

“I’m not saying we will tear up the league but we will challenge.

“The aim will be to finish as high as possible.

“If we can finish in the play-offs, that will be a great season.

“It’ll give the fans something to cheer about.”

Some of Bay’s squad have already decided to move on, though, including keeper Jordan Perrin and defender Dan Johnson who has joined ex-Bay boss Ben Smith at Ramsgate.

Perrin has linked up with newly-promoted Erith & Belvedere.

“You don’t like to see any players leave the football club, especially good ones,” said 62-year-old Lovell.

“I’ve known Dan for a long time and I know what a good player he is. He will be a good signing for Ramsgate.

“I have no problems with him – the same as the goalkeeper. I wish them all the best.

“If they go, we’ll focus on the ones we need to bring in.

“We’re targeting players all over the pitch. We’ll get our squad together as quickly as we can.

“I’m starting from fresh. From last year, there’s a few players I would like to sign.

“But I understand if they move on. That’s football.

“There’s a couple of players I have already spoken to.

“They said they will come down to me but there’s still time for other clubs to take them.”

Lovell looked to have Ramsgate on course for the title last season - only to then be surprisingly axed earlier this year.

But he said: “It’s a new start.

“Whatever happened down there happened.

“We couldn’t do any better than we did down there, really. We were top and only came off it for a week so it was a surprise. But we’ve moved on.

“We know the league. It will be a very good league this year, the same as last year. It’s a good league but a new challenge.

“Me and Mark are looking forward to the opportunity.”

Their games against Ramsgate will certainly be eagerly-awaited but will only be two of several Kent derbies for Herne Bay.

“It’s a strong league for derbies all around,” Lovell noted.

“We will enjoy them and the rivalries between the clubs.

“Even at the top level, they’re the better games against your local rivals. There will be a friendly rivalry but I think we’ll enjoy it, players will enjoy it and fans will enjoy it.

“There’s a lot of local derbies and a lot of outstanding sides.

“But I think people will be looking forward to them.”

Bay are due to host Isthmian Premier Margate in a friendly on Saturday, July 15.