Faversham Town chairman Gary Smart on why he thinks players from higher-division clubs have agreed terms at Salters Lane this summer

There will be bigger fish to fry for Faversham’s new recruits in the Southern Counties East Premier Division compared to the Isthmian Leagues, chairman Gary Smart has suggested.

The Lilywhites are already building a formidable squad ahead of their Step 5 return.

Despite suffering 2022/23 Isthmian South East relegation, they have signed experienced defenders Josh Vincent and Matt Newman from Isthmian Premier Folkestone.

Faversham have also been heavily linked with a move for defender Connor Essam after his departure from National League South Dartford.

They will be among the favourites to win the league and a Wembley appearance in the FA Vase could be on offer, as well as silverware through the Challenge Cup and Kent Senior Trophy.

Smart said: “There’s a bit of a long journey we’re on at the moment.

“We have an ex-professional in charge in Sammy Moore.

“If there were two more weeks in the season, I think we would have survived.

“We have signed some great players that are well above the level.

“It gives those players around the 30s a chance to get involved in something and have a crack at the Vase.

“In some people’s eyes, they may be going one step back but, in some ways, they’ve got bigger fish to fry.”

Prolific striker Gary Lockyer, midfielders Mo Kamara, Billy Bennett, Sam Hasler and Ashley Miller, along with defender Jake McIntyre, have also agreed to link up with the Lilywhites, who have seen plans for a new 3G pitch given the green light this summer.

Smart said: “We have brought some in and retained a few.

“I’m expecting big things and the pressure is going to be on us to turn losses into wins.”

Trials to join Faversham’s Kent Youth League side for the 2023/24 season will be held at the Abbey School on June 10 and