Whitstable Town manager Lloyd Blackman has set out to cultivate and not quash the young talent at his disposal.

The Oystermen boss has added five new faces ahead of his first season in charge including Jake Mackenzie, Luke Girt, Osman Proni, Marcus Evans and Tarik Ibrahim.

As the latest to arrive, forward Ibrahim has settled in nicely with two assists against Thanet United and a goal in the draw with Hollands & Blair.

Blackman said: "Tarik is a good, young, keen lad. He's still got plenty to work on which is great.

"He's really keen, he's certainly got a turn of foot and he can certainly frighten defenders. We've just got to coach him in the right way to make the right decisions at the right times, that probably goes for one or two of the other lads as well.

"They're keen, they're hungry, they've got great desire and want to learn. It's important we don't put chains on the things they're good at, but really make sure they are able to produce the good things at the right times.

"Curbing their enthusiasm is not what we're trying to do, but we're just trying to make sure they do it in the right way rather than from a team's perspective it becoming harmful.

"It's just decision making for those young boys, but as young prospects they're hungry and have a lot of ability and I'm definitely looking forward to working with them this year."

• Hythe Town boss Sam Denly on the challenge facing them in Isthmian South East

Blackman's business isn't finished yet as he continues to monitor the progress of trialists at the club while working hard behind-the-scenes to make further signings.

He added: "We've had some good trialists come down and there are a few people we're speaking to.

"There are a couple of things that I'm hopeful of, I certainly don't want to jump the gun.

"There are players that we're looking at that will sort of push the key areas we're looking at, I'm certainly not in any position to go making decisions that are rash.

"I know how this market is working with the clubs around us, we'll see how things develop over the next week or two and if the right person fits into our budget, which is obviously key, then we'll look to get something over the line.

"There are a couple of players we're speaking to and also a couple that are coming down with us.

"I'm well aware that the people I speak to make decisions to go elsewhere, by the time you calculate that there will be another market and another window.

"Players aren't silly, they'll be well aware of clubs having larger squads than they need.

"I'm in no rush to be making any hasty signings. If it fits into the programme, the style and the budget then we'll be in a position to act on it."

Whitstable start their season at home to Sittingbourne on August 17, before visiting Hythe Town three days later.

Boxing day will see them host Ashford United, followed by a trip to Herne Bay on New Year's Day.

Town will also play either Crawley Down Gatwick or Newhaven in the FA Cup Preliminary Round on August 24.

Read more: All the latest Kent sport news