Keeping Hythe Town grounded could be manager Sam Denly's biggest challenge this season.

The Cannons' talented squad are brimming with confidence ahead of what they hope will be a title challenge in Bostik South East.

Denly shares his players' belief but knows they mustn't try to run before they can walk.

Hythe start away to Ashford next Saturday and the game can't come soon enough for Denly.

He said: "I just want the season to start now. Pre-season games serve a purpose but it's about getting down to business now and we're looking forward to the first league game.

"I'm very happy with what I've got. I'm always open to bringing a few in and I'm not saying I'm not going to do that.

"There may be one or two that come in but, by and large, I'm more than happy with the squad I've got.

"If we can keep everyone together, we've got a chance of competing this season.

"Play-offs is something we'll be looking to achieve this year but we've got to keep our feet on the ground. As a squad, we haven't achieved anything yet.

"We had a great end to last season but we're starting again now and there are some good teams in this league. We've got to keep working hard and if we do that and everyone's on the same page, I'm sure we can have a good season.

"It's nice to have a team full of quality, which we have, but we've got to keep everyone in line and make sure they don't get carried away. It's a long old season and if we're going to achieve anything, it's going to be through hard work and determination.

"Quality alone won't win you anything, you've got to have the hard work to go with that and we'll make sure the boys do that."

This time last year Denly was enjoying a more relaxed summer after resigning as Herne Bay manager.

He said: "I did enjoy the time out because it's what I needed but ultimately I always wanted to get back involved as quickly as I could.

"Given the choice, I'd much rather be involved and building up towards the season. I can't wait to get going again."

The club will assess Junior Aikhionbare's hamstring injury this week in an effort to have him available for the start of the season.

Hythe's final friendly is away to Tilbury on Saturday.