DANNY Heale says Canvey Island are working hard to bring in new additions after confirming the bulk of their squad will remain ahead of the new season.

Fourteen of the squad from last season have verbally agreed to remain at the Frost Financial Stadium, including captain Richard Halle, top scorer Martin Tuohy and veteran attacker Cliff Akurang.

The Gulls have been largely disappointing in the last two campaigns, with 17th and 14th place finishes respectively although manager Heale will be hopeful of a better result this campaign.

Two players who will not be returning are Ross Johnson and Taylor Tombides, who are travelling and returning to Australia respectively.

"I'm very pleased that we will have a solid and consistent base from which to build from,” said Heale.

"There is always interest from elsewhere for players, but the fact that so many of the lads want to come back next season says a lot about what a great bunch they are and how much they enjoy playing together for the club.

"We have been working hard to strengthen the squad with some quality additions in important areas and hope to release details of these signings shortly."

Other players that have agreed to return are Marlon Agyakwa, Harrison Chatting, Jay Curran, Ashley Dumas, Mitchell Gilbey, Daniel Gilchrist, Conor Gough, Omarr Lawson, Jake Pitty, Steve Sheehan and Tony Stokes.

Heale confirmed the squad would be boosted in the coming days and weeks with the arrival of new signings imminent.