Deal Town manager Steve King on running the rule over defender Sam Smith, a pre-season friendly 6-0 loss at Dover Athletic and a 4-0 victory at Hythe Town

Deal are running the rule over young defender Sam Smith.

Smith, who rose from playing at Southern Counties East Division 1 side Rochester to turning out for Maidstone in National League South last season, played for the Isthmian South East Hoops as they started pre-season with a 4-0 victory at Hythe last midweek.

But terms are yet to be confirmed with the 21-year-old. He has attracted plenty of interest, having also turned out on loan for Isthmian Premier Folkestone in 2024.

“We’re having a look at Sam,” said manager Steve King. “He has got a couple of offers on the table so there’s nothing concrete either way yet.

“He’s a good player and someone I like but he’s one that clubs in our league and above also like.

“It might be another week or two before we know where that one is heading.”

But the Hoops were put to the sword by Jake Leberl’s newly-promoted National League South side in a 6-0 loss, three days later.

Deal didn’t fall behind until the 35th minute but quickly found themselves facing a 3-0 half-time deficit.

King said: “It was a tough evening. Obviously, it didn’t go as we were hoping.

“We were disappointed with the individual errors we made in the game. Fair play to Dover, they have kept their squad that got them promoted together and have invested well.

“Having played Gillingham last Tuesday, they still put out a strong side.

“We knew before the game how difficult it was going to be but what was concerning in a similar fashion to last season was, after we conceded one, we conceded three in 10 minutes. I’m not sure how that happened!

“But when we were bringing on young lads in the second half, they were bringing on new signings and really good players.

“We have got Dover away and Ramsgate away in there this