Deal Town manager Derek Hares cannot wait for side to start pre-season campaign against Charlton Athletic under-23s and Gillingham side

Boss Derek Hares cannot wait for Deal to get their pre-season campaign under way against Football League opposition.

The Hoops will play host to Charlton under-23s this Saturday before they welcome a Gillingham side to the Charles Sports Ground on Tuesday night.

New signings hoping to get their first run-out in the next week include goalkeeper Henry Newcombe, attacker Riley Alford and winger Euan Sahadow.

“Obviously from the club’s point-of-view, hopefully, we get two decent crowds,” said Hares, who led Deal to a fourth-placed Southern Counties East Premier Division finish last season.

“The lads have been back training in the past couple of weeks. Fitness levels have been pretty good - but there’s nothing like match practice.

“No more signings as yet [to announce], but I’m sure there will be some movement in the next couple of weeks when lads don’t get in at the clubs they’re at.

“The boys look pretty fit and have come back looking good, they have had four or five sessions now.

“I think we could get good gates, as well, especially if the weather stays like it has!”

Hares admits he is not sure how strong either team brought down by Charlton or Gillingham will be - but he is expecting a stiff test, regardless of who turns out.

He said: “We have got no idea what players Charlton will bring down but I’m sure they will bring a good side down.

“Even if they are young lads, they will be trying to prove a point.

"I think it will be two tough games [because] it will be the same with the Gillingham one.”

A week after Deal’s match against Charlton, they will visit Division 1 Lydd before playing host to Dover on July 12.

Hares admitted. “The first three home friendlies are big games for us.

“We have got a couple away, as well, you