Whitstable boss Nicky Southall hopes to add some new faces to his squad in the coming week as he prepares for a push for promotion from Ryman League, Division 1 South next season.

The Oystermen boss missed out on Joe Kane, who was expected to follow his former boss Jason Lillis to The Belmont from Lordswood this summer but has instead signed for rivals Herne Bay.

Southall said: “He knows the manager (former Town skipper Sam Denly) and wanted to play for him. There’s no hard feelings, I want players here that want to be here.”

Southall hoped to complete the signings of an experienced defender and a striker from higher level clubs this week while he’s also keen on two midfielders who play at the same level.

He said: “We’re talking to players and hopefully we’ll be able to get something done in the coming days.”

Town will play a friendly against Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, August 3 (3pm) and Southall revealed they were pursuing fixtures with Maidstone, Margate, Canvey Island, several Kent League and Kent County League teams.

Southall also said he was in discussions with a Football League team and a showbix XI about games at The Belmont before the league campaign begins in August.