Sam Denly is already planning for next season but says he won’t be releasing anybody from his present squad.

The Herne Bay boss is targeting two or three additions, including a striker, and said: “All the squad are staying but I have started making phone calls.”

He wants to build on what he describes as a “fantastic” season, after the 1-0 win at Ryman League, Division 1 South beaten play-off semi-finalists Whyteleafe on Saturday, confirming Bay in ninth place.

They had been 19th and 18th in their two previous campaigns since being promoted as Kent League champions.

Whyteleafe’s artificial pitch brought the best out of Bay and Denly vowed: “I would have one at our place tomorrow if I could. It allows us to play – in the right areas, of course. We were outstanding and it was one of our best performances of the season."

Bay players and supporters gather at the club tomorrow (Friday) for their annual presentation night, with Denly admitting two or three players lead the chase for his player-of-the-year nomination.

Striker Danny Williams is still awaiting news about the extent of his foot injury which sidelined him in the closing weeks of the season, while Ben Brown will spend the summer awaiting a date for his knee operation.