Herne Bay boss Steve Lovell happy with his squad - and now hoping it sticks together amid interest from rival clubs for non-contract stars

Manager Steve Lovell is happy with the Herne Bay squad he has assembled ahead of the new season - he just hopes he can now keep it together.

Defender Jack Parter and midfielder Mo Kamara have rejoined the Isthmian South East outfit while Lovell and son-assistant Mark Lovell have also added midfielders Ethan Smith and Kane Haysman, with defender Ollie Gray, to their ranks.

Going the other way, defender Harrison Pont has agreed to join Isthmian Premier Dover, midfielder Archie Burnett is trying his luck at Lewes and winger Theo Osinfolarin has also moved on for pastures new.

Others could yet follow suit over pre-season, with rival clubs sniffing around some of their non-contract players.

Lovell, who had to build a squad from scratch ahead of last season, said: “The only concern I have - and most managers go through it with their squads - is that there’s a lot of teams that are financially stronger than our team.

“Some are trying to pick up players by offering them something that we’re not in a position to. That’s a concern.

“There’s one or two things going on that I cannot mention too much - but I will do if it happens. It’s a little bit disappointing for me and Mark in a way.

“It might not happen, we’re trying to get these players to stay for footballing reasons. But naturally, if these players are being offered something that we cannot match, they might decide to move on.

“We’re not in a position to put everyone on contract. If I could, I would! But that’s not possible.

“Hopefully, we can get through the pre-season with the players that we want.

“It happens right across the football pyramid. The ones with the most money tend to get the best players, it’s always been like that. That’s why it’s important to get the right