TUNBRIDGE Wells get their Kent Premier League season underway tomorrow (Saturday) and for their rookie manager, Martin Larkin, the next nine months or so will be a real test of his fledging managerial credentials.

Taking over from Mike Robbins, the charismatic former boss who left the club in the summer, the 29-year-old has been slowly building a squad that he feels is more than capable of holding their own in the tough, uncompromising Kent League.

"I think we have recruited well," Larkin explained when speaking to www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk. "Last year we were a little lightweight at times, but Brad Sandeman (assistant manager) and I understand what you need in the Kent League.

"We have added a lot of power and presence running down the spine of the side. We have brought in a target man – someone who will hold the ball up well for us, and we will have pace and delivery out wide.

"The target man (Benji Agana) and holding midfielder (Brad Draper) were my main targets when I took over as manager, and I am delighted with the two guys we have brought in to fill those roles. In addition, we have signed an excellent centre half (Perry Spackman) who stands at well over six foot, so the recruitment has gone well."

Larkin welcomes back Agana, who returns from his brief stint at Sevenoaks Town, and has added Spackman, also from Sevenoaks, Kevin Brown, Tom Reeves, Steve Ashmore and Andy McMath.

He has also managed to keep the bulk of the squad from last year with Mikael Czanner, Jason Bourne, Jon Lord, Alex Rich, Mike Lord, Sam Phillips, Matt Newman, Brad Mortimer, Clayton Cooper, Andy Boyle, Luke Wallond, Jon Pilbeam and Brad Draper all re-signed for the upcoming season. Last season, Wells set a furious early pace and were sitting pretty at Christmas. However, a winter of discontent followed with financial woes blighting their progress and a number of key players left the Culverden.

But this season is a new chapter and Larkin, who is the youngest manager in the Kent League, is keen to write his own script.

Pre-season has yielded two wins, two draws and two losses, but Wells put in a fine display against Tonbridge Angels in the Courier Cup, only losing 2-1.

"The big positive has been how the boys have taken to our financial situation this year," he reflected.

"They have all bought into what we are trying to build at Culverden, and once we explained there wasn't any money, they have just got on with it and are forming a strong bond as a side. I'm happy with the options we have in terms of quality and size.

"We have set ourselves targets as a management team, but we won't be putting any added pressure on to the boys. We play Faversham, Herne Bay and Hythe very early on, so we will know where we are pretty soon.

"I will say that the players and the management team are not here to struggle, or sit in mid-table – so with a bit of luck I'm sure we will surprise a few."

Wells begin their campaign with a home match against the Kent Premier League whipping boys, Sporting Bengal, who failed to register a single win last season.

Despite what looks like an easy three points on paper, Larkin is urging his side to maintain their focus.

"Hopefully we'll get the Sporting Bengal that played the first 30 games last year and not the Sporting Bengal that scared VCD and Herne Bay in the last two games!" he said.

"We have an awful record at home to them compared to the other Kent League clubs, so we need to put that right. We have a huge FA Cup game the following week at Culverden, so the players should not need motivating to hit the ground running.

"On a personal note, it will be nice to get the first league game in charge out of the way with a win," Larkin said.

"Hopefully we can build on the good crowds we had last year, and really get some support from behind the goal to spur the guys on."

Upcoming fixtures:

August 8 – Sporting Bengal (H)

August 15 – Sevenoaks Town (FA Cup) (H)

August 22 – Herne Bay (H)

August 31 – Lordswood (A)

September 5 – Faversham Town (H)

September 12 – Erith & Belvedere (A)

September 19 – East Preston or Ash United (FA Carlsberg Vase) (A)

September 26 – Holmesdale (H)