Joint-manager Alan Walker intends concluding Maidstone United’s transfer business by the end of the month.

Walker and managerial partner Lloyd Hume hit the ground running making five new signings within a fortnight of the old season finishing. This week, the pair were talking with a couple of players considered good enough to bolster an already much-improved squad.

“We learned so many lessons last season that we’re determined not to repeat mistakes,” said Walker. “For instance we want no repeat of last season’s terrible start which left us playing catch-up.

“That’s why we want everything done and dusted in terms of new signings before I go on holiday in June. By the time we start pre-season training we want the squad in place.

“The chairman has underlined the need for the club to be more professional in the way it operates. That message has come across loud and clear.”

Walker disclosed for the first time that he will be heavily involved in pre-season training, unlike last year when he lay in Belfast Hospital after breaking his back while conducting a coaching exercise.

He said: “I’m getting a lot stronger so intend being around to help supervise the pre-season training, which is so important to getting a good start.”

Stones, who have signed former Gillingham club captain Ian Cox, Margate pair Jay Saunders and leading scorer James Pinnock plus Folkestone’s Kevin Watson and Roland Edge, have also given new deals to Nathan Paul, Alex Tiesse, Marc Clarey and Aaron Lacy.

Central defender Lee Shearer has followed Mo Takaloo out of the club.