Deal manager Derek Hares would have no qualms about starting the season with the squad already assembled this summer - but that doesn’t mean he’s ruling out further new signings.

The Hoops have retained 16 of their squad for the 2022/23 Southern Counties East Premier Division campaign ahead of the start of pre-season training this week while the club have announced three new arrivals.

Goalkeeper Henry Newcombe and attacker Riley Alford have both come in from Hythe alongside winger Euan Sahadow.

Hares is delighted with the squad he has managed to put together alongside coach Steve King.

“I think the squad we have got is strong,” Hares said.

“We would be happy to start the season with it. But, as always, if we can bring one or two in, then we will.

"They have got to make us better, there’s no point signing people to make up the numbers.”

The Hoops will start pre-season training on Thursday, hold a barbecue to thank volunteers this Saturday and plan to stage a trialist night next Wednesday.

Long-serving Hares revealed: “We have had a big response. With us running the reserve side as well this season, that’s a big step forward for the club.

“Hopefully it [the trialist night] will work out well and something may come from that. So far, it’s been a really good response.

“I think we’re an attractive club to play for.

"The ground is looking good and, obviously, we have been performing on the pitch.”

Sahadow had a loan spell at Deal from Folkestone in the 2017/18 season and has scored 29 goals in 65 starts at that level.

Hares stated: “We know Euan pretty well, he did pretty well here on loan.

"He’s been at Tunbridge Wells and did well.”

Deal are due to start their pre-season schedule against Charlton under-23s on Saturday, July 2.