Deal Town boss Steve King intends to strengthen squad – if the right players become available this summer

Boss Steve King intends to strengthen Deal’s squad - but only if he can find the right players.

Deal finished a point behind second-placed Phoenix Sports and three adrift of champions Erith & Belvedere in the Southern Counties East Premier Division while they were stunned by Punjab in a one-sided Kent Senior Trophy Final.

King will move to bolster his squad this summer if the right fit becomes available, although the main task could be to keep hold of last season’s men who finished their league campaign with a 20-game unbeaten streak.

“Our main priority has been retaining the squad that we had,” King said. “They did incredibly well.

“At this stage, we have been able to do that - although there’s a couple of conversations with people that have been away and stuff like that which need to take place.

“There’s probably two or three areas we need to strengthen.

“But I think everyone knows it’s a difficult market to be working in with the actions of another local club.

“As soon as we can get anything over the line, we will let people know.

“But we’re pretty comfortable running with the squad that were 20 games unbeaten in the league.”

Deal’s squad has proved to be a largely loyal one in recent years, although they did add to it during last term with the arrival of striker Aaron Millbank and young defender Alex Green.

King said: “The important thing for us is we’re always looking to develop the squad.

“It has to be the right fit football-wise but culture-wise as well.

“We brought in two big players last year in Aaron Millbank and Alex Green. They added to us.

“I will look to do the same this season. But it will probably be another one or two people, rather than eight, nine or 10.

“They will need to fit the ethos of the football