By JUSTIN ALLEN

NEW Dover Athletic signing Euan Williams wants to put five years of injury hell behind him.

And it has inspired him to launch a revolutionary new platform to help crocked players cope with the psychological torture of the treatment room.

The highly-rated 23-year-old midfielder has signed for the Whites from Gillingham.

Williams, who progressed through Charlton Athletic’s famed academy after stints with West Ham and Arsenal, has suffered a brutal run of physical set-backs since turning pro.

But instead of letting his injury woes break him, the forward-thinking playmaker is using his experiences to transform the game for fellow pros by launching a unique player-to-player mentoring service called Playerbook.

Williams said: “It’s been a really frustrating journey. The last five or six years have been totally stop-start.

“Every single time I gained a bit of momentum, I would pick up another injury, a hamstring issue or a small tear here and there.

“They were complete momentum stoppers. What I found was that I was always chasing.

“I was trying so hard to get back to my true level and get back to peak fitness, but trying to chase it makes it feel like it gets further away every time. You end up trying harder and harder, pushing your body too far.”

After suffering another hamstring tear in March while on the brink of solidifying back-to-back starts in League Two, Williams knew something had to change.

He decided to step away from the grueling schedule of full-time professional football to sign a part-time deal under Dover boss Jake Leberl.

The decision was heavily influenced by a close footballing friend who successfully revived his own career by dropping down to part-time football to play a 46-game season before earning a major move back up the pyramid.

Doctors and physiotherapists backed the radical strategy.

Williams said: “The part-time attraction was a massive reason why I decided to come to Dover.

“I’ve been in full-time football since I was 16 and it has been littered with injuries. A friend of mine did a similar thing and played a full season after struggling for years.

“Medical experts told me to try the part-time route and just see if my body reacts better to the reduced training load. I want to stay fit, get a solid bulk of games under my belt, and hit a personal target of at least 10 goals and 10 assists this season.”

Stepping away from the full-time spotlight has also given Williams the time to build Playerbook.

The digital platform connects currently injured footballers directly with mentors and fellow pros who have successfully negotiated the exact same physical traumas.

The app already features a stellar lineup of mentors ranging from former Premier League icons to players who were forced into early retirement by injury.

Williams has already seen the platform pay massive dividends, recently connecting Lewis Bate, the current captain of League One side Stockport, with a group of vulnerable academy midfielders suffering from identical long-term injuries.

Williams said: “The last couple of years made me realise there is something massive missing in football when it comes to getting injured players the psychological support they need.

“It is incredibly difficult to understand if you are not a player, but the trust that footballers have in other footballers tops everything.

“That player-to-player bond is crucial. The rehabilitation room is a deeply lonely place. You are stuck in there entirely by yourself while the rest of the squad is out on the training pitch.

“The only people who truly, deeply understand what you are going through are other players who have lived it.

“Playerbook gives them that immediate connection. The feedback we have had from young lads using the platform has been incredibly positive. There is nothing else out there like this for crocked players.”

Now focusing on his own fitness ahead of pre-season, the dynamic midfielder is eager to show the Dover Athletic faithful exactly what he can do on the Crabble pitch.

Williams said: “I’d describe my playing style as incredibly hard-working both in and out of possession. I love to pass forward, run forward, and create big chances.

“I am very forward-thinking and creative. I am absolutely buzzing to be here at Dover. I can’t wait for the new season to get ahead, so let’s get cracking.”

Dover Athletic are pleased to confirm that George Wilkinson has been retained after agreeing new terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

A Dover Athletic Academy graduate, Wilkinson is now entering his fifth season with the club and is closing in on 150 appearances in a Whites shirt.

George signed his first senior deal in January 2022 and made his first start later that month in a 2-1 National League defeat away at Wealdstone. He went on to make 23 appearances in the National League that season, scoring once with a spectacular long-range effort at Wrexham.

Since then, the midfielder has continued to develop into an important member of the first-team squad. He featured 41 times in all competitions during the club’s 2024/25 promotion-winning campaign and made 33 appearances in the National League South last season, scoring three goals.

A product of the club’s academy pathway, Wilkinson’s continued presence in the squad is another positive step as Jake Leberl builds towards the new campaign.

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of 23-year-old forward Kola Salami ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The attacker joins the Whites from Carshalton Athletic, where he made 38 appearances last season, scoring nine goals and establishing himself as a regular part of the Robins’ forward line.

Comfortable leading the line or operating out wide, Salami brings pace, direct running and versatility to Jake Leberl’s squad. His ability to trouble defenders with his movement and flair made him a key attacking outlet at Colston Avenue.

Before joining Carshalton, Kola impressed at Erith Town, scoring five goals in 16 appearances, having previously been among the leading scorers in the SCEFL Division One with FC Elmstead. He has also spent time with Sutton Athletic, Whyteleafe and Dartford U19s.

A lively and hardworking forward with an eye for goal, Kola adds another exciting option to the Dover attack ahead of the new campaign.

Dover Athletic are pleased to confirm the signing of Euan Williams ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 23-year-old midfielder joins the Whites following his departure from EFL League Two side Gillingham.

Williams came through the academy ranks at Charlton Athletic, where he signed his first professional contract in February 2020. During his time at The Valley, he progressed through the club’s development system and made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy before signing a new contract in 2022.

Following his release by Charlton in the summer of 2024, Euan earned a move to Gillingham after an impressive trial period. He went on to make 10 senior appearances for the Gills across the last two seasons and was rewarded with a contract extension in 2025.

On the international stage, Williams has represented both England and Northern Ireland at youth level. After featuring for England Under-16s, he later switched allegiance to Northern Ireland, earning caps at Under-19 and Under-21 level.

A versatile midfielder, Euan is capable of operating centrally or in more advanced roles. Known for his energy, technical ability and eye for creating chances, he adds quality to Jake Leberl’s squad ahead of the new campaign.

Everyone at Dover Athletic would like to welcome Euan to the club and we look forward to seeing him in a white shirt this season.

As preparations continue ahead of the new campaign, Dover Athletic can now confirm our full pre-season schedule for the 2026/27 season.

Pre-Season Fixtures:

• Sat 4 July – Margate (A) – 3:00pm
• Sat 11 July – Cray Wanderers (H) – 3:00pm
• Tue 14 July – Gillingham (H) – 7:30pm
• Sat 18 July – Eastbourne Borough (H) – 3:00pm
• Tue 21 July – Deal Town (H) – 7:45pm
• Sat 25 July – Burgess Hill Town (H) – 3:00pm
• Tue 28 July – Herne Bay (H) – 7:45pm
• Sat 1 August – Carshalton Athletic (H) – 3:00pm

We are still looking to finalise fixtures for Tuesday 7 July and Saturday 11 July. Any clubs interested in arranging a pre-season fixture are asked to contact enquiries@doverathletic.com.

Ticket Info

All home pre-season fixtures are priced at £10 for adults, £9 for concessions, Under-18s £5, with Under-11s going FREE with a paying adult. 2026/27 Season Ticket Holders enjoy free entry to all home friendlies.

Get behind the boys and kick off the season at Crabble!

Dover Athletic are pleased to confirm the signing of Nazir Bakrin ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 23-year-old centre-back arrives at Crabble after two strong campaigns in the National League South with Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels,

Naz joined Tonbridge in August 2024 following his departure from Charlton Athletic and quickly became a regular in the Angels side. He made 35 National League South appearances last season after featuring 38 times during the previous campaign.

Before his move into senior football, Nazir spent time in Fulham’s academy before joining Charlton Athletic in 2021. During his time with the Addicks, he made three senior appearances in the EFL Trophy and continued his development within the club’s system before departing at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Although primarily used as a central defender, Nazir has also shown his versatility by stepping into midfield in a holding role to good effect. Still only 23, Nazir arrives with plenty of experience at Step 2 and adds another strong option ahead of the new campaign.

Everyone at Dover Athletic would like to welcome Nazir to the club and we look forward to seeing him in a white shirt this season.

Harry Beadle has been retained by Dover Athletic after agreeing new terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 23-year-old defender arrived at Crabble ahead of last season and quickly became an important part of the squad, making 35 appearances in a Dover shirt during his first campaign with the Whites.

Beadle joined Dover after spending time with fellow National League South side Aveley, having signed for the Millers following his departure from Colchester United.

A product of the academy at Charlton Athletic, Harry earned a professional contract with Colchester in the summer of 2021 and made his senior debut during the 2021/22 season in the Papa John’s Trophy against Gillingham.

He later signed a further one-year deal with the U’s and gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with both Braintree Town and Bishop’s Stortford, featuring in National League North.

Beadle now heads into a second season at Crabble looking to build on a solid first year in black and white.

Mitch Walker will remain between the sticks for the 2026/27 season after committing his future to Dover Athletic.

The upcoming campaign will mark Mitch’s tenth season at Crabble, a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the loyalty and commitment he has shown throughout his time with the club.

His connection with supporters was recognised again last season when he won both the Andy Fisher Shield for Away Supporters’ Player of the Season and the Simon Harris Shield for Supporters’ Player of the Season.

With another season ahead, Mitch is also closing in on 350 appearances for the Whites, another major milestone in an outstanding spell at the club.

After a difficult campaign last time around, focus now turns to the season ahead and building towards a stronger year at Crabble. Keeping hold of a player with Mitch’s experience and leadership is another important step as preparations continue for 2026/27.

We caught up with Mitch to discuss staying at the club, reaching a decade in white, the challenge of last season and his hopes for the campaign ahead.

You’ve signed on again for 2026/27. What does this club mean to you personally?

“Dover gave me a platform to build a career in the game when I left Brighton & Hove Albion back in 2012, and I’ll forever be grateful for the trust Dover put in me as a young goalkeeper.”

You’re closing in on 350 appearances for Dover. Did you ever imagine reaching a number like that when you first arrived?

“Honestly, no. Football moves quickly, and in this sport a week can change a lot of outcomes. This will be my 10th season at Dover Athletic FC, and I feel privileged to have worn the shirt more than 340 times.”

Last season was a tough one at times. Looking back now, how do you reflect on it?

“Every season has tough moments, and it’s important to learn from mistakes and keep pushing one another to swing momentum back in your favour. Last season, we didn’t do that well enough. However, on reflection, surviving when most had us as relegation favourites was an achievement in itself.”

What are you hoping to see from the group this season and what would a successful season look like for Dover Athletic?

“This season will be equally as challenging, but we are better, wiser, and stronger. We’ll be focused on climbing the table, and who knows where the season may take us.”

Finally, do you have a message for supporters ahead of the new season?

“I hope you’re enjoying the off-season and taking the chance to recharge ahead of another rollercoaster next season. We are a strong club at Step 2, and I’m looking forward to August when we’re all pushing in the same direction and ready to surprise the doubters and enjoy a strong season at National League South.”

As we look ahead to the new season, we wanted to provide an update on some changes taking place across our Youth Section.

For a number of years, the boys’ section has largely operated independently, while in recent seasons we have also introduced girls’ football, which has continued to grow at an impressive rate. With Vikki now in place, continued sponsorship support and the youth side of the club growing year on year, we feel now is the right time to bring everything together under one structure.

Going forward, the club’s youth teams will sit under one umbrella Youth Section as part of the Community Trust. The aim is to create a more joined-up setup and continue building opportunities for young players across the club. We want to keep growing where it makes sense and where we can do so properly and sustainably.

Next season, we are set to have 13 teams representing Dover Athletic, which is a huge achievement and shows just how much the youth section has developed.

As part of these changes, Roger Knight has decided to step down. Roger has given many years of service to youth football at Dover Athletic and we would like to place on record our thanks for all his hard work and commitment over that time. With the youth section now growing beyond what one person can realistically oversee, this felt like the right time for a change.

The setup has now reached a size where it needs more support and structure, so moving forward a committee will be formed to help oversee and support the section.

If you are interested in coaching or would like to get involved as part of the committee, we’d love to hear from you.

Exciting times lie ahead and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow youth football at Dover Athletic.

Update: Further working party dates added

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the recent working party weekend at Crabble.

A further session will now take place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June, again running from 9am to 3pm on both days.

Refreshments will be provided, but we would be grateful if anyone planning to attend could let us know in advance so we have an idea of numbers.

Please email the club’s enquiries address or call the office to confirm your attendance.

With a new season approaching, the club is looking for volunteers to help get Crabble ready for the kick-off.

The clean-up and maintenance days will take place on Sat 13 and Sun 14 Jun between 9am and 3pm.

Food and refreshments will be provided. Jobs will include general tidying up, weeding, painting, cleaning and other maintenance tasks.

Any time you can spare will make a huge difference, whether that’s an hour or a full day.

So, if you are able to give us a helping hand, come down to the ground. All assistance will be greatly appreciated.