Manager Ryan Maxwell has added more pace to an already-rapid Sittingbourne squad.

Maxwell has confirmed the signing of winger Troy Howard, who ended last season at Lydd Town.

The former Margate and Deal player is blisteringly quick and has caught the eye at pre-season training.

He was invited along after impressing Maxwell during talks and hasn’t disappointed in the opening sessions.

Howard, who played on dual-registration for Hythe in Isthmian South East last season, is keen to kick on and sees a chance to challenge for honours at Bourne.

“He’s very ambitious and wants to achieve something, which is the main reason he’s signed and the reason I’ve wanted to sign him,” said Maxwell.

“We had a 45-minute conversation where he talked about being up there and challenging for a winners’ medal. That’s what he wants to do and promotion is the No.1 goal for him this year.

“He’d heard good things about us, he respected our team from last year and he knew we were in a good place with our recruitment already.

“I said let’s get you down and he came in and trained exceptionally well. Right away, you could see his athleticism and his attitude was excellent.

“He knows the level, he’s quick, direct, can play in a couple of different positions and he fits the bill for what I’m looking for in those areas.

“I want him to be really direct and use what he’s got and I’m going to work with him on the things that need work.

“He’s not the complete player and he knows that.

“He needs to get better out of possession and there’s a couple of tweaks here and there but I think we’ve got a really good player on our hands.”

The Sittingbourne squad is overflowing with pace and Maxwell is keen to discover who’s the quickest.

He added: “The sprint race in training this year will be interesting because we’ve got some absolute fliers in our squad.

“You’ve got the likes Bagasan Graham, Donvieve Jones, Troy, Henry Lukombo and don’t rule out Chris Arthur, who at one point was a runner at a very good level.

“Everyone likes to know who’s the quickest. It’s just a pride thing among the quick lads.

“We’re already joking about it in the group chat.

“Henry fancies himself but Troy was quick to respond to say he fancied himself too.

“I think I’m going to do it over 60 yards.

“As we all know, pace kills. It’s something we wanted to add in more areas this year and I’m looking forward to seeing who’s the quickest.”

Maxwell, meanwhile, was “taken aback” by the fitness levels when Sittingbourne reported for pre-season training last Tuesday.

The players were in great shape after following a programme set by strength and conditioning coach Glen Warwick.

It meant on Saturday they were able to get straight down to ball work.

“We did our testing day and I was taken aback by how fit the boys were,” said Maxwell.

“That means they’ve shown dedication and discipline in the off-season.

“They must have followed the three-week programme Glen set or they couldn’t have hit those levels.

“Had I seen any players struggling, it would have been quite obvious they hadn’t done the programme and I’d be questioning are you here for the reason we all need to be here for?

“But every single player was fit and because of that, we’ve had the balls out already.

“That’s great because when you sign eight players you need to integrate them and start getting your philosophy and the tactical side of the game into them.

“We made the most of that on Saturday whereas in years gone by, a lot of teams would still be doing bleep tests and various running drills.

“We worked them very hard but with the balls.”

Train the way you play, so the old saying goes, and summer signing Liam Smith has bought into that.

The defender, who captained Hythe to the Isthmian South East play-off final two seasons ago, had options after leaving Reachfields.

Maxwell was delighted to bring him to Sittingbourne.

“He’s got that real competitive streak that’s so important in defenders,” said the Brickies boss.

“He’s young but he’s played a lot of games, he’s been a captain and I see him as a really important part of the puzzle.

“Believe me, I was patient in getting him because he wanted to take his time to think about things, which I respect.

“He trained at the weekend with that natural competitive streak he has.

“When I’ve managed against him, he’s someone I could see playing for my team.

“He’s got that winning mentality and aggression that all defenders need.”