Whitstable Town manager Lee Martin on signing of 45-year-old striker Derek Asamoah and eye-catching Kent Senior Cup tie at Margate against ex-boss Jamie Coyle and No.2 Matt Longhurst

New veteran Whitstable striker Derek Asamoah’s pace needs to be tested.

That’s the verdict of manager Lee Martin, who has moved to bring in the Ghana international, who turned 45 in May, and wideman Kenny Aileru.

Former Football League player Asamoah played for Whitstable’s new Isthmian South East rivals Sittingbourne last season but has now linked up with Martin’s men at The Belmont.

“The thing with Del is he is infectious,” said Martin.

“His speed needs to be looked at - because he shouldn’t be that quick at 45! He’s only going to get quicker as pre-season goes on.

“He does his job as best as he can. He’s not necessarily the loudest in the changing room but the good thing is you know what you’ll get from him.

“At 45, we need to look after him and have him sharp for August 8 [the club’s season opener]. Once he’s up to speed, he’ll probably want to go again but, going Tuesday-to-Saturday-to-Tuesday, we have to manage his minutes.

“We need to pull Del back but, also, let him go when he needs to.

“We’ll do similar with Wally (Alex Wall). Kweku Lucan has also come back in and we’re seeing the quality that we have in the frontline.

“We scored nine in two games last week - I know it’s only pre-season - but you still need to be doing it.”

Asamoah was among the goals in a 4-1 friendly victory at Erith & Belvedere, alongside Wall, Lucan and defender Liam Boxall, despite Martin conceding last Friday’s friendly was far from ideal.

Martin said: “Out of the first three friendlies, the first one (a 3-1 loss against higher-division Maidstone United) was a bit of a throwaway, just to get your minutes.

“Against Faversham, they put a lot of balls into the box - and had the long throw, as well. We had to be resolute.

“We know we can score