Brown was appointed first team manager just days before the senior sides returned for pre-season training and met club executives, coaching staff and the players for the first time on a wet Saturday morning at the end of June.

More than 50 players turned up for pre-season training and after the "organised chaos" of that initial session the new manager is now happy that things are beginning to take shape.

Brown has played 30 players in friendlies so far and he said "it's taken time to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the squad I inherited, and I wanted to give everyone a fair chance to impress.

"But we are now beginning to narrow down the squad and the area we want to improve in.

"We are starting to work on specific aspects of the way we are going to try and play, and seeing which players can adapt."

Having worked with the squad for several weeks and after three matches Brown inevitably had to release players but is convinced he has brought in the players that match what he wants to achieve both on and off the pitch.

"I'm very pleased with the additions we've made" he said after announcing the signings of Jon Glowacki and Aaron Best on Thursday. "Chris Bryan, Jon, Aaron and Diembe Dumaka are familiar with my methods and I know they can add to this group. Glen Little is already showing his qualities on and off the field."

Brown then pointed out the advantage of moving to a Ryman Premier League club when he said "Siva and Leader are players I identified at my previous club, but maybe couldn't attract but here they can compete at the level they should be at and hopefully progress with the club even further."

With a goalkeeping crisis looming before the season has started, Brown moved quickly to sign Conor Gough and was full of praise for the young stopper.

"Injuries and suspensions meant a goalkeeper was a priority, but I wanted to get it right. I'm confident I have a bright prospect and another that can grown with the club in Conor Gough.

"I watched him in a Charlton Athletic u21 game and enquired. He's a great addition."

With the season just a few weeks away and the small matter of a 'friendly' tournament featuring a game against landlords Aveley and the annual Stan Veness match at Tilbury next week, Brown still has some tweaking to do.

"Things are beginning to take shape and our intensity is growing. It won't won't happen overnight as this is a massive transition but with the likes of Beaney, Carlos, Benjamin and Jordan Wilson still around from last season we have retained some stability.

"The Aveley tournament at the weekend will be a great chance to look at a few untried players, trialists and boys still trying to earn a deal. Then, starting at Tilbury on Tuesday the fans will begin to see our genuine first team squad competing as we near the season's opening fixtures."

The season starts on Saturday 9th of August with a trip to Billericay Town before the Blues host Margate on Tuesday, a side considered by some to be challenging for the title next season.

Brown is not underestimating the task ahead which was clear when he said "we have an extremely tough start to the league, but will relish the challenge and make sure we are prepared."