Manager Clive Cook is in upbeat mood after a positive start to Hythe’s pre-season campaign.

Town are in the first week of training after the summer break and their new season begins with a game against Folkestone at the Fullicks Stadium on Sunday

(kick-off 2pm) in memory of former Hythe and Invicta assistant manager, coach and physio Dave Williams who passed away in April.

Cook said: “I never really got too much of a break. It’s football management, though. It seems you’re forever chasing someone or other.

“For me, it’s too early to be playing a game but we’ve agreed to do it for the right reasons.

“I knew David for 30-odd years and want us to do this for him, out of respect for him and his family and to hopefully raise a lot of money for good causes.”

The club have printed 500 free matchday programmes – a special commemorative issue which will include a host of tributes to the club stalwart who worked with Invicta boss Neil Cugley during their time at Ashford and Hythe.

Cugley, who had been close friends with Williams for more than 30 years, said: “We’re expecting a lot of people who wouldn’t normally come to our games to be there on Sunday with members of Dave’s family, a lot of his friends and a fair number of our old players coming along.

“It’ll be an emotional day for many of us, especially with a minute’s applause in Willo’s memory before kick-off but it should be a great occasion for a great guy.”

The Cannons were set for their second training session on Tuesday night after returning at the weekend and Cook said there had been a positive start from new first team coach Mike Ward.

Cook said: “We’ve come back well, the lads are all in good shape and good spirits.

“The boys liked the new coach, he mixed it up and kept them interested. There was some hard stuff, then some ball stuff, then some hard stuff. You need to do both at this stage of pre-season.

“First impressions are that things are looking good. The boys are relaxed and looking forward to getting going again.”

Cook said he had not been in any hurry to do business this year and was still expecting to tie up some more deals, with former Maidstone and Faversham keeper Will Godmon believed to be on his radar.

Cook said: “I took my time this year, I learned from last year when I probably rushed things a little bit.

“The money in the game is going crazy at the moment and I do worry for the future. The most important thing is that you’ve got to believe in what you are doing, keep your bottle and stick to your guns.”

He added: “I’m still negotiating with one or two players and you know me, you can always rely on one or two little surprises on the team sheet.”