Ramsgate boss Steve Lovell would have no issues playing any member of his new-look squad when he names his starting line-up for their season opener this weekend.

Lovell’s Rams begin their Isthmian South East campaign on Saturday when they host last season’s play-off semi-finalists Cray Valley.

Ramsgate have bolstered their ranks with the signings of Theo Osinfolarin and Jack Paxman following the return of striker Jordan Chiedozie and Lovell expects to have as many as 18 players to choose from for the clash at Southwood.

“I might need one more defender but I’m quite happy with the squad I have got,” said ex-Gillingham manager Lovell.

“For Saturday, I have got 18 players to choose from. I would be happy to go with any of those 18 players.

“There’s a few boys carrying a few knocks but it gave the other boys the opportunity to get minutes for when the season starts.”

The versatile Paxman has returned to Ramsgate while wideman Osinfolarin has joined too.

Lovell said: “Theo has come in, he’s decent and hard-working. Jack Paxman has come in, in pre-season and looked good.

“When he came to us for pre-season, he was mainly playing right-back or right-sided, but we have used him more as a central midfield player.

“He’s not the tallest of players but he has a good football brain. I think he deserves his chance this year.”

The Millers came fifth last season before losing out to Ashford in their play-off semi-final.

"Cray had a good season last year. They got to the play-offs and they will be looking to do the same again I would guess,” Lovell said.

“I think the league will be a strong league this year.

“There seems a little bit more resources around for clubs. There will be lots of clubs vying for those five places.

“It will be very difficult and it’s important to get off to a good start. The league will start panning out after three or four games. That’s no different for us.

"All we can do is prepare for Saturday and hope our hard work pays off.”

Ramsgate ended pre-season with a 6-2 loss at newly-promoted Isthmian Premier outfit Hastings, although the hosts scored three times in the final 11 minutes to add some gloss to the scoreline.

“It was a weird one because I left four or five of the boys out to start off with. Then I had to put a few in,” Lovell reflected.

“They scored three goals in about 10 minutes. I didn’t want any of the boys in with a knock and we had a young goalkeeper - he has only just turned 16 - and unfortunately he conceded three goals.

“But pre-season has gone well and, hopefully, we can carry it on when it starts on Saturday.”

But having got their final warm-up game out the way, Lovell now cannot wait for the real action to start, with the Rams at Sittingbourne on Tuesday too.

Lovell commented: “We are looking forward to the league starting. It’s been quite a long pre-season and it does drag on a little bit.

“But you have got to do it, I think our boys have responded really well. I have about 18 or 19 in my squad and I would be happy playing any of them.

“There’s competition for places all over and that’s what you want as a manager. There will be players missing out on Saturday but they could come in on Tuesday.

“I’m lucky to be in a position where I can change it around.”