Clive Cook says his bolstered Hythe squad is the strongest he’s had and he wouldn’t swap it for any other in the league.

A year after taking over at the Reachfields helm, Cook this week brought in Liam King from Faversham, Matt Newman from Folkestone and Leatherhead’s Alex Skinner and they all impressed as Town overcame Herne Bay 3-1 on Tuesday night to make it five straight league wins.

Cook admitted: “We have got a strong squad. We’ve reshaped it a bit and it’s the strongest we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Cook and Tony Beckingham replaced Tim Dixon 12 months ago this week after a nightmare start to the 2015-16 season which brought just four points from 10 games.

The derby success against Bay followed back-to-back wins over Cray and East Grinstead in Ryman League, Division 1 South to banish the memory of the FA Cup exit at home to Walton Casuals and took the Cannons into the play-off places.

Cook said: “I hadn’t thought about it being a year but we have 20 points from our first nine games this year and we had only four from the first 10 last season.

“We’re nicely tucked in (the top-five) in the league but we know we have got a big October coming up.

“On paper, you have to say our squad is right up there among the best in the league and I wouldn’t swap anyone for anyone else. I am happy with what I’ve got.”

On Saturday Town face a trip to Tooting & Mitcham (3pm) who sit second and only off top-spot on goal difference after suffering their first defeat at the 11th attempt on Tuesday night.

Cook added: “It’s early days but they are a good side, they brought some quality in during pre-season. We’ll come up with a plan for them though.”

In the wake of the new arrivals, Dan Parkinson and Josh Algar have been allowed to leave Reachfields, while Richard Atkins has joined Southern Counties East League Premier Division side Sheppey on loan.

Cook added: “The first two wanted to be playing 90 minutes and I’m just not in a position to be able to guarantee that.

“Richard wants game time too but he doesn’t want to leave. I brought him in but he’s had no pre-season due to injury and it’s showed a little bit.

“Hopefully, he can go there, get some minutes and score some goals.”