CANVEY Island manager Danny Heale believes a busy pre-season schedule will work in their favour come the start of the new campaign.

The Gulls are due to play nine matches in total ahead of the new season as they gear up for the big kick off against Dulwich Hamlet in just over a week.

Ryman Premier League rivals Billericay Town have also got nine scheduled games while East Thurrock United play only six times.

But Heale thinks, far from tiring his squad, his players are thriving.

“We did really well on Tuesday night,” he said, referring to Canvey’s 4-1 friendly win over Great Wakering Rovers. “We want the right balance and the right levels of organisation and things have been improving in every match. The team is in a good place at the moment and there is really good competition in the squad.

“We want to start the season with some momentum and this schedule will enable us to do that. Dan Gilchrist has come up from the youth squad and played well while Martin Tuohy has integrated well.

“I always like to play eight games to give all the players a good run out, while the West Ham game (next Wednesday) is more of a prestige friendly so everyone will have a turn.

“We have already sold 1,700 tickets so it will be a great occasion.”

Canvey visit county neighbours Bowers & Pitsea on Friday before taking on Ramsgate the following day, with the match against the Hammers ending their pre-season.