Herne Bay go into the new season back in Isthmian Southeast after their turbulent season in the Isthmian Premier. 

During the summer Steve Lovell, who was sensationally sacked by Ramsgate last season with the Thanet club top of the League, was appointed to the Winches Field hot seat, and along with son Mark (who again will be his assistant) is looking to lead the Bay straight back to the Premier Division 

“Pre-season has been drawn out,” the Bay boss conceded to KSN this week. “We’ve had to do a lot of work regarding recruitment and getting players in after they all left at the end of last season.

“We had to start afresh, and I think that we’ve now signed twenty players, Mark and I have had a busy summer, and it’s getting the players to work together in a short period of time, and I think that’s we’ve done a decent job and all the boys can’t wait to get started.” 

“Going into a Club and starting over is a lot easier in the summer as the players are going to be your players. Sometimes if you go into a Club halfway through a season and there’s a decent group there already, it’s just a case of putting your stamp on them and working the way you want to work and if the quality is there it works.

“Certainly, going in, I felt as though it needed a complete change after the relegation last year and we’ve got together a really good group of players who have come in and want to play football, play our way and it’s really good how they’ve blended together in such a short time!” 

“This League is a very good League. Last year, when we were at Ramsgate, we played against some excellent teams and there were some really good games of football. It’s a lot better and there are coaches out there now who understand the game and their knowledge will make it an interesting season. There’s not going to be an easy game, everyone is strong, there are stronger teams than others, but I think that it’s going to be a very competitive League and very interesting as it goes on.” 

Lovell and the Bay begin their season at home to East Grinstead Town on Saturday, a side who struggled last season.

“We played them twice last year whilst I was at Ramsgate and we beat them quite easily at home and the one-nil away but they are a good footballing side, they’ve had a change of manager there now so it’ll be interesting to see what they are like but history always suggests that they are a very good footballing team and like to get the ball down and play. It’s all what happens on the day as to which team turns up and you’ve got to be ready for any eventuality!” 

“I’ve got a good squad, really eighteen or nineteen rather than others who may only have thirteen or fourteen, I know I’ll be able to rotate if I need to or call on the others who won’t start on Saturday. And I think that in-depth squad is a big thing where you can rely on things if they’re not going right so that you can change it.” 

“It’s hard to say as to who are the team or teams to beat as the season hasn’t started. We all know the Clubs who are going to “have a go” but it’s all about organisation and getting yourself organised on the playing field and using what you’ve got! And I’m happy and I think the players are a really good group who work hard and have great ability and it’s just a matter of seeing how the season goes early on and where we are!”