Sam Denly has suffered a blow with the news that Joe Nelder could miss the first month of the new season with damaged ankle ligaments.

The Herne Bay midfielder was injured after only 10 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Ryman League North side Barkingside in the final pre-season friendly at Winch’s Field on Saturday.

Striker Danny Williams is another injury doubt ahead of the opening home Division 1 South match against Sittingbourne with a knee injury.

He did light training on Tuesday night and Denly will check on his fitness before naming his side.

One player chasing a starting place is striker Jamie Turner, who was sidelined for most of last season with a long-term ankle injury.

He grabbed the 85th minute equaliser against Barkingside and Denly says he is delighted to have him available again.

The Bay boss said: “It feels like signing a new player – 100%. Jamie is a good player, who has often tended to go under the radar but his goal-to-game ratio is excellent.

“Nobody could diagnose what the problem was and in the end he needed an operation.

“It has been a long frustrating road back but he has worked hard and was excellent on Saturday.”

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Denly said: “We finished ninth last season, and want to improve on that. We have got a talented dressing room who are a loyal bunch.

“They had to take a pay cut last season and deserve credit for that and it shows they play for the club and the shirt.”

Denly confirmed striker Jordan Casey has joined Canterbury City on loan.

He said: “He will be with them for four or five weeks and needs games after struggling in

pre-season due to work commitments.”