Ramsgate boss Jim Ward has asked his local players to impress him during the club's eight pre-season matches as they prepare for their Ryman League division one debut, writes Stephen McCartney.
With the league fixtures expected to be announced by Thursday, the Rams start their pre-season programme on Saturday.
Kentish Observer League side Erith & Belvedere make the trip to Southwood Stadium.
But Ward is pleased with the attitude from his players as they build up to their first match work-out on Saturday.
"The next eight games are the dress rehearsals for what is in front of us," the Scot told the club's website.
"I felt up to now that everything has gone according to plan.
"Training has been excellently marshalled by Mark Harrop, who has found himself a new ally in Carl Harrison, who has done well taking the training this week in Mark's (Ward) absence.
"The pitch, in my opinion, is the best it has looked in all my years at Ramsgate, which is all down to Martin Jefferys."
Speaking about his squad, Ward added: "The squad itself is slowly but surely taking shape and I feel that I've got cover in most positions.
"But obviously the forthcoming friendlies will give me a clearer picture.
"This club will always stand or fall on local players, so what I need is for the stronger players from last year's under 18s and the players from the fringe of last season's first team to come knocking at my door to show that they deserve a chance for a place in this year's squad.
"I'm also pleased with his well the new signings are fitting in with the existing players."
Defender Dean Hill (signed from Sittingbourne), striker Steffan Ball (signed from Dulwich Hamlet, but played for Kent League side Greenwich Borough at the tail end of last season) and Michael Yianni (Hythe Town) are expected to make their club debuts against the Deres.