Dartford manager Ady Pennock says summer recruitment has been near-perfect with just one top target missed so far

Dartford manager Ady Pennock has revealed he’s only missed out on one of his top targets this summer.

The Darts boss has rebuilt his squad after reaching the Isthmian Premier play-off final last season.

He’s already recruited keeper Jonny Henly, Ben Frempah, Sammie McLeod and Dan Smith to add fresh depth to an already-talented squad.

“I’m all right at the moment,” said Pennock.

“You go for players and I’ve been very pleased at the players I’ve gone for, except for one that I’ve missed out on.

“But everyone else I’ve been in for, we’ve got. Like I said to you before, in terms of my budget, I treat the budget as my own money so I just don’t spend it willy-nilly.

“You have to do it properly and we’ve got the right characters in.

“The new players have already settled in really well so the changing room is great but there’s a long way to go in pre-season yet.”

Pennock completed the signing of Ikechi Eze from Potters Bar ahead of last weekend’s first pre-season friendly against Charlton.

Eze is the older brother of Crystal Palace forward Eberechi and also spent time at Aveley last season.

“He signed just before the game on Saturday,” said Pennock. “He’s a midfield player and he’s got a lot of ability on the ball.

“It’s competition for places, really, and the squad is looking okay at the moment.”

When asked if there is room for more signings, Pennock admitted: “Yes, there is. But, again, I don’t want to just spend my budget in the first week of pre-season.

“It’s really important that we do it right.”

Ronnie Vint was among the trialists on show, along with former Cray Valley and Folkestone Invicta left-sided player Nathan Green. Young defender Sam Smith, who was at Maidstone last year, also featured.

Read more: Pennock names