New Tonbridge manager Craig Nelson hopes to keep the nucleus of the squad he’s inherited at Longmead - including caretaker boss Scott Wagstaff.

Nelson got to work on Tuesday, spending his first day at the ground since formally taking charge.

His appointment as Jay Saunders’ successor was announced last month but it was agreed he would see out the season at Lewes before taking over at the National League South club.

Nelson was “wholly committed” to his final four games at the Dripping Pan, which meant keeping an eye on Tonbridge in his spare time and reviewing games at “stupid o’clock”.

He likes what he’s seen.

“I think the nucleus of the team from last season is really good,” said Nelson.

“They probably lacked an out-and-out No.9 who was hitting the back of the net regularly.

“I’ve spoken to all the players, they seem like a very good bunch, great characters, and mentally prepared to further their careers in football, so they want to be at the level, or above it, which is always a good thing.

“If I can, I will try and keep the nucleus of the team but this part of the season is always tricky because they may be getting offers from higher or they may have aspirations to go a little bit higher, which we’ll try and support.

“We’ve offered a few contracts out to extend and then we’ll know a little bit more around the nucleus of the team.

“Then it’s about me bringing in the right characters to go and compete for next season.”

Sean Shields is already contracted for next season but Nelson says one player “may be leaving imminently”.

He hopes to get positive answers from others.

“It’s that pre-season lull of players speaking to agents and seeing what their aspirations are and them hearing my plans for next season to make an informed decision,” said Nelson.

“We’re under way with those discussions and over the next week or two we’ll hopefully make some announcements.”

Wagstaff is one man Nelson is keen to keep on board following his stint as caretaker manager.

The midfielder wants to play on for another season and the new boss hopes that’s at Tonbridge.

“Waggy was my first phone call and it was more along the lines of thank you for stepping in,” said Nelson.

“It’s a big step to do that. He felt that as well.

“Going from being a player and in that band of camaraderie, it’s very different when you step out to then manage your peers.

“I thought he did an excellent job, he also spoke really well.

“He wants to continue playing, so we will have a discussion about how that looks moving forward.

“He’s been a loyal servant and loves the club dearly and from my perspective, for some continuity and what I can learn off him, he’d be a credit to keep around, it’s just making sure it’s right for us both.

“We’ve still got conversations to have but Waggy is a top person and the type of individual I like having around me, so we’ll see how that one progresses.”