Kingstonian assistant Mark Hams insists the Ks squad is looking the sharpest ever and will not need much adjustment to cope with life in the Ryman League Premier Division next season.

Boss Alan Dowson added former Staines Town winger Lewis Cook, Ashford Town goalkeeper Josh Willis and Hampton & Richmond Borough defender Ryan Lake to his ranks last week after a quiet summer on the transfer market.

The Kingsmeadow chief reckons there could still be one or two new faces still to come with former Leatherhead frontman Marc Charles-Smith reportedly on his way to the Division One South champions.

Hams is confident - on current evidence - an overhaul of resources is far from needed with a host of experienced players among the resources at the club’s disposal next season.

But an emphasis on creating competition for places among the squad remains the watch words.

“The new boys have come in and looked sharp. In fairness this is the sharpest group of players I’ve ever seen at this stage of pre-season,” he said.

“I don’t think there is an awful lot we need to do to the squad. We’ve got players in there who have experience of playing at this level and can comfortably do more than a job.

“The lads we have brought in have fitted right in and can only keep everyone on their toes, for example, Josh is a monster of a man and the two Luke’s (Garrard and Naughton) know the score and know they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.”

Hams celebrated achieving his UEFA A coaching licence by joining Dowson, Martin Tyler and some of the title winning squad for a civic reception at Kingston Guildhall this week.

It is the culmination of the three-years hard work for the 32-year-old - one of only three on his 16-man course to pass the qualification - and saw him successfully negotiated an assessment on coaching a back four to defend split strikers - meaning all eyes will be on Ks defensive record next term.

“If we lose to a team playing that way I’ll be straight on to the FA asking them why they passed me,” he joked.

“When I was told I had passed it was the best feeling and makes this year particularly special. It is a lot of extra work and now I can focus all my energies on coaching.

“I was totally gobsmacked. It is a lifetime achievement and it is all down to the support of my nearest and dearest - and Dowse.”

The new boys

Lewis Cook

Age: 25.

Position: Winger.

Former club(s): Staines Town, AFC Wimbledon, Lewes, Basingstoke Town, Windsor & Eton, Wycombe Wanderers.

Dowse’s verdict: “a skilful winger who's got excellent delivery that the strikers will love as much as the supporters.”

Ryan Lake

Age: 23.

Position: Left back.

Former club(s): Hampton & Richmond Borough, Ashford Town, Brentford.

Dowse’s verdict: “He's won this league before and played at the next level up too, so he’s looking forward to a new challenge with us.”

Josh Willis

Age: 20.

Position: Goalkeeper.

Former club(s): Ashford Town, Sittingbourne, Hastings, Chelsea.

Dowse’s verdict: “Has a lot of potential and showed that when we played Ashford at the end of the season. I’m happy with both Luke’s, but it's time for us to up the competition.”