Aslan Odev is confident Sittingbourne players will resist any interest from former Brickies boss Nick Davis.

Davis is back in football as assistant manager at Sheppey United in the Southern Counties East League and knows his old squad well.

Many of this season's players are committed for next year and boss Odev believes they will keep their word.

He said: "I'm sure Sheppey have been on the phone to a few of our players but I know the players that have already committed and I don't have any doubts about them because they believe in what we're doing here.

"It won't just be Sheppey, I'm sure a lot of other clubs are getting in touch as well but that's OK.

"I'm happy for Nick and I wish him all the best at Sheppey.

"He brought me to Sittingbourne and taught me a lot, so I truly hope Sheppey do well next year, not only because of the Nick Davis connection but also because I'm from Sheppey."

Odev is hoping to convince youngsters David Smith and Harrison Hatfull to stay at Sittingbourne.

Striker Smith forged a reputation as a super-sub before showing his worth in the starting XI, while utility player Hatfull made an impression after his arrival.

Odev said: "I know David's looking around to see what's available.

"He's looking to take the next step in his career, which I know he will do, but he may need another year at Bostik South level just for his development and then he can push on.

"The last thing I want is for him to go chasing a club at a higher level and then not get any minutes.

"Harrison's another youngster who came in and got a lot of minutes with us at the end of the season.

"I know others are looking at him but I'm hoping to keep him."

Meanwhile, defender Lex Allan is attracting interest but expects to stay at Sittingbourne.

Odev said: "Lex has told me to plan with him in the team but I know other clubs are looking at him and want him to trial.

"He's a very humble person and I'm sure he'll make the right decision."

One man likely to be leaving is Swiss winger Sefyettin Akdeniz.

The player's agent has been trying to find his man another club in England.

Odev said: "He's struggling to find a club that will give him what he needs to stay in the country.

"His agent's been asking around every club he feels may be able to cater for him but at the moment he won't be staying with us."

Sittingbourne have signed goalkeeper Patrick Lee from Margate as competition for Harry Brooks.