Aslan Odev is backing Sittingbourne players to achieve great things with the new season just over a week away.

The Brickies are still finalising their squad for the Bostik South East campaign but Odev likes what he sees.

They lost 2-1 to Swale rivals Sheppey in Saturday's friendly but the manager is looking at the bigger picture.

He said: "We have fantastic ability and potential in the squad. I'm fully backing the squad we've got.

"We're still trying to figure out a couple of things but the players are capable of achieving great things.

"We're waiting on a couple of bits from the board, just certain things around the club, but we're all excited about the direction and ambition."

Sittingbourne complete pre-season with a trip to Bostik South champions Carshalton this Saturday.

It's a fixture that sparks happy memories for Odev, having beaten the Robins 3-1 at the end of last season.

It came on the same day he was confirmed as Sittingbourne's new boss following a successful spell as caretaker manager.

Odev said: "This is going to be a good game and a good indication of where we are as a squad.

"We're happy to have this game at the end of pre-season as you want to play your strongest opponents just before the league starts.

"It's a good opportunity for the players to work hard, get more minutes and build on the foundations so that we have everyone playing to our identity and our philosophy.

"It was a fantastic day when we last played Carshalton.

"It was lovely and sunny, it was the day I got the job and the result was the cherry on the cake."

Meanwhile, Odev has confirmed there are no plans to appoint a new fitness coach or sports psychologist.

Riccardo De Vivo had taken on both roles before his shock move to the Georgian Premier League.

Odev said: "We're grateful for what Riccardo has done but we've decided to carry on with me and Ian Varley (assistant manager) on the coaching front.

"We worked well together last year and that showed in the turnaround in results."