Managers Matt Hume and Jason Lillis have both embraced the big spending of league rivals Greenwich Borough.

Southern Counties East Greenwich have raised eyebrows this season with some high-profile signings, including former Millwall and Leyton Orient striker Gary Alexander.

On Wednesday they announced the capture of former Crystal Palace defender Gary Borrowdale, who spent the summer training with the Gills.

Earlier this summer they made an audacious attempt to sign former Dutch international star Edgar Davids.

Hume, who is boss at Rochester United and Lillis, the manager of Lordswood, both know their sides can’t compete financially but are looking forward to the challenge.

“I think it’s great that there are teams spending,” said Lillis.

“Unfortunately we are not one of them but we didn’t have that before when I was here and we did well.

“The league is stronger now than it has been for a while and we will hopefully enjoy it. It should be more competitive and people are going to have to raise their game.

“It should be a very interesting season.”

While Greenwich enjoyed a pre-season training camp in Cyprus, Hume’s team had a night of team bonding in Rochester High Street on Saturday night.

But Hume believes the South London side, who groundshare at Dartford’s Princes Park, won’t have it easy.

He said: “We’ll be relishing the chance to come up against Greenwich and try and get one over on them, plenty of teams will and that will make it tough for them.

“I don’t think the league was particularly strong last year but this year it’s turned around. It’s definitely going to be a tougher league and more exciting.”

Nobody was relegated last year but that will happen this time around, making it even more exciting, according to Hume.

"Teams won’t be able to ease off now," added the United boss.