Herne Bay boss Steve Lovell in no rush to name club captain ahead of first friendly against Lordswood

There’s no rush for a captain to be named to lead Herne Bay’s new-look squad.

Bay returned for pre-season training this week, with their friendly schedule beginning at home to Lordswood on Tuesday.

Bay boss Steve Lovell has identified those who he thinks could wear the armband but is in no rush to make a final decision.

“I will figure it out over pre-season,” he said. “You can name a captain in pre-season - and then he might not come through it, they might get injured.

“It’s a new group of players, so it will be interesting to see who warrants being captain.

“A few players fit into that category but the main thing is getting these players to understand their role in the team.

“We will see as the games unfold what comes of it.

“There’s no one there from last year, it’s a new squad that we have put together. Everybody will be starting off on the same foot.

“Everybody will be given a chance to prove they can get in the team. There will be a few trialists there, as well.

“We have got three training sessions before our first friendly, so it’s important we get a bit done before then.”

Former Maidstone and Margate frontman Jack Richards is one of Herne Bay’s latest summer arrivals after the 24-year-old began pre-season with Lovell, alongside son and assistant Mark Lovell, at Ramsgate last season.

Lovell said: “He’s had a few injuries, but he has done well enough to warrant being given a chance.

“Hopefully, he will prove his fitness and will be a good signing.

“I think Jack Richards is a good player - that’s why we brought him to Ramsgate last year but he got a bad injury on his ankle, which put him out for the season.

“He’s looking forward to finding fitness and, hopefully, starting the season well.”

Another addition at Winch’s