Rye boss is learning fast

Gall - who shares duties with Anthony Storey - conceded he didn’t realise how tough it would be trying to sign players to improve his squad while maintaining the core of last year’s side.

“I’ve learnt quickly, and I’ve learnt I have to approach every situation with caution - as what players say and what they do are sometimes different things,” Gall said.

“It’s been a tough summer. What with the league confusion and then a number of our players moving on, it’s hard. I can’t fault those who have left, for whatever reasons. Dom Clarke insists he’s gone for a work-related reason, whilst Sean Kelly is keen to test himself at a higher level.

“Jack Franklin has been offered silly money at Eastbourne United so I can’t blame them. Everyone who has left has done so on good terms and they’ll all be welcomed back if things don’t work out.”

Gall is hopeful of signing Little Common pair, defender Zack McEniry and midfielder Dom Cruttenden.

“I want to test Zack at this level,” Gall continued. “He’s in his comfort zone at Common but I think he can do a real job for us with Sean (Kelly) gone.”

Sam Crabb could potentially be signed on a dual-registration deal with Lewes, though such an arrangement is not near completion as yet.

“I’m happy with the squad though,” Gall concluded. “We have an excellent spine of players we have kept. We’ll certainly be ready for August 10.”