MAIDSTONE UNITED'S joint management team believe the club is good enough to achieve a top six finish in Ryman League Division 1 South after gaining promotion.

Last season the Stones won the Kent League and Cup double and start their campaign with an away match at Hastings Town on Saturday.

Nick Barnes, a new signing from Tonbridge Angels, is suspended for the first two games of the season while Leroy Huggins will miss the club’s opening match due to family commitments.

Dover Athletic boss Clive Walker says his greater variety of firepower up front could prove the difference from last time around as Whites prepare to kick off their season at Molesey.

With memories of their play-off final defeat at Tonbridge still painfully sharp, Walker takes comfort that with the likes of new boy Bradley Spice and Chris Chase, who only figured in the last couple of months of the previous campaign, Whites will not be so reliant on Craig Wilkins and Jimmy Dryden in front of goal.

He said: "The squad is stronger than last year because we have got more pace up front and more people who can score goals."

Chatham Town's new manager Phil Miles takes charge in the league for the first time at home to Croydon Athletic on Saturday.

There has been only minor tinkering to the squad with goalkeeper John Whitehouse, centre-half Rob Goodger, midfielder Adam Douglas and striker Ian Pulman being added to last season’s squad.

Miles said: "I have the bonus of a fully-fit squad from which to select and I can’t wait for the season to start It’s a challenge and I’m up for it."

Dartford boss Tony Burman has described the upcoming season as the most momentous in recent history, as they prepare for life at a new ground in a new division.

Burman, who is preparing his side to travel to Burgess Hill on Saturday, said: "“With so many Kent derbies in the division there should be some big crowds about.

"These players have been together for some time and have tucked plenty of experience under their belts."

Hopes of a full-strength side on Saturday have been dashed by groin injuries to defender Anthony Henry and May, and striker Brendon Cass (ankle).

Tim Thorogood believes his Ashford Town squad is one of the strongest he has assembled at Homelands.

The close-season captures of players such as Graham Porter, Anthony Allman and Simon Glover mean Town will be far more experienced this season, and boss Thorogood feels that will be important as they look to make their mark on the Ryman League, starting at Kingstonian on Saturday.

He said: "We’ve now got good quality players right down the spine of the team.

"We were mentally weak as well as being physically weak on occasions last season, but now we’re far better equipped and experienced players like Graham Porter and Stuart Playford will ensure the younger ones do not get bullied."

Sittingbourne manager Steve Lovell is decidedly upbeat ahead of his side's opening match of the season at home to Godalming Town.

He said: "I’m a lot more confident now than I was at this stage last year. I’ve got 21 players signed up and last season’s experiences will benefit the younger players."

Lovell could parade up to four new signings against Godalming, with Andy Doerr, Kam Singh, Tunisian international Sabieur Trabelsi and Danny Bonneywell jostling for places in the starting line-up.

A fifth new signing, defender Kevin Nicholls, is out of contention through a knee injury.

Completing the opening day fixtures for Kent's sides is Cray Wanderers, who welcome Horsham YMCA to Hayes Lane.