Dover's Dr. Martens League fixture at Havant & Waterlooville on New Year's Day has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Dover defender Nicky Humphrey is making his way back to fitness after having the pin removed from his leg. Humprhey, who suffered a freak injury two months ago in the game against Tamworth is now walking again on the injured leg but still has a long way to go before his leg is fully healed. He hopes to resume training in the summer and be back playing football at the start of next season.

Clive Walker revealed in his programme notes for today's game against Folkestone that he is still looking to add players to his squad. The Whites boss has enquired about the possibility of re-signing former Dover forward Joff Vansittart, who scored 19 goals in the 1999/2000 season and was prolific at this level with Sutton United, from Farnborough. Ben White is another player on Walker's wanted list. The versatile Gillingham defender/midfielder has spent two loan spells at Crabble in recent seasons. However these players will not be joining in the near future and the Dover manager is looking at other options.

Clive Walker has moved to strengthen his depleted defence by signing experienced Gillingham defender Mark Patterson on a permanent deal. The defence has been hit by injury and suspension in recent weeks and with Nicky Humprhey out of action until next season, resources have been stretched. Patterson will be in the squad for the visit to Welling on Saturday.

Dover boss Clive Walker has a major selection headache for this afternoon's encounter with old rivals Bath City at Crabble. With Nicky Humprhey already out for the rest of the season, suspensions to skipper Andy Arnott (for a sending off against Newport) and Dean Readings (five yellow cards) mean the Whites manager is without a single recognised centre-half. Leading scorer Nicky Dent is one candidate to help out at the back but his chances of playing are only 50/50 because of an ankle injury. That means that the back three is likely to consist of midfielder Danny Champman, wing-back Steve Norman and utility player Darren Davies as Athletic strive to keep up with the pace-setters at the top of the league.

Dover manager Clive Walker has been named Dr Martens League Manager Of The Month for November. The Whites boss led his side to four points from three games in the league, won two out of two in the league cup, reached the First Round of the FA Cup and progressed in the FA Trophy.

Dover will face kent rivals Gravesend & Northfleet of the Nationwide Conference in the Third Round of the FA Trophy. The sides last met in a friendly last season, which finished 2-2, and their last competitive meeting was in the Kent Senior Cup final in 2001, which Gravesend won 4-0.

The tie is a repeat of the 1999 Third Round tie, which Dover won 2-1 with goals from Steve Brown and Joff Vansittart after a replay.

The game sees the return to Crabble of former favourite Jimmy Strouts and Dover midfielder Lee Spiller will face his former club for the first time since moving from Stonebridge Road in the summer.

Dover Athletic will play Chelmsford City at Crabble in the Third Round of the Dr. Martens League Cup. The tie is Dover's reward for their 6-1 drubbing of Dartford at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday evening. The game will be played on Monday 16 December at Crabble.

Dover earned a narrow 1-0 victory when the sides last met, in the league at Crabble in October, when Nicky Dent got the only goal.

It is not just local Dovorians who have been struck by cup fever, but also in the renowned footballing city of Madrid. This is where exiled Whites supporter Angus Perry-Macleod now resides, and despite the thrill of the 90,000 Bernabau stadium on his doorstep, the excitement of the club finally reaching the first round of the FA Cup could not keep him away from Crabble on Saturday. The 24-year-old has been an avid supporter for 11 years and the moment that Tommy Tyne struck the late winner against Woking he was already booking his tickets.

He explained "I follow all the games through the Internet and when it came through that we had won, I booked the flight home immediately. My partner is a little upset that she has been left behind, but this game will be a reward for all the dismal cup defeats against the likes of Dorking and Sittingbourne".

The former soldier, who is employed as a helicopter engineer, originally comes from Lydd, but became a Dover fan through his strong links to the town.

"I got taken to a game by a friend when I was 13 and I have been hooked ever since. The friendliness of the people and the loyalty of the supporters is something that you don't get at other clubs. When the club was close to going to the wall, the supporters helped to rescue them and I am hoping that the whole of the area will get behind the side against Oxford.

"If someone like myself is willing to come from Madrid to see them play, then hopefully more people on the doorstep in Dover will decide to support the club" he added.

This is not the first time Angus has travelled far and wide to watch the Whites, he travelled from Canada for the FA Trophy semi-final second leg against Cheltenham in 1998 and to various games when he was based in Northern Ireland, and he believes Saturday's big clash is the biggest Dover match he has seen.

"The FA Cup is the world's most famous cup competition and it is great that we have got into the First Round at long last. Saturday will be about enjoying the day and hopefully creating history. Everybody has been waiting for this moment for such a long time. I have seen the likes of Bayern Munich play Real Madrid, but the atmosphere and excitement against Oxford in the River End will be just as good. I can not wait for the game and you won't be able to miss me on the terraces, as I will be the one wearing the Dover Athletic sombrero!!"

You can read Angus's views of the big game next week when he provides the Fans Eye View comments in the Dover Express.

If you do not have a ticket for the weekend's FA Cup First Round game between Dover Athletic and Oxford United, there is still time to get one. Tickets will be on sale at Crabble between 9:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday morning. The game is all-ticket and after this time you will not be able to purchase tickets, they will not be available on the turnstiles.

There are still tickets available for Saturday's FA Cup First Round match between Dover Athletic and Oxford United at Crabble. There are only a few seats available but there is still space on the terraces. Remember that Saturday's game is all-ticket and you will not be able to purchase a ticket on the day. Phone the club on 01304 822373 for more information.

Apologies for the lack of updates to this website over the last 10 days or so. The timing has been unfortunate given that the club is approaching the biggest cup game in its history but faulty computer equipment has prevented the site from being updated. The problems are now resolved and normal service has been resumed.

Dover Athletic's First Round FA Cup match against Third Division Oxford United will be all-ticket on the advice of Kent Police. The police have also insisted that the attendance is limited to 5,500 and that supporters are segregated.

Tickets will go on general sale on Tuesday 5th November but season ticket holders and Supporters Trust members will be able to purchase tickets from Monday 4th November on production of the appropriate card. Ticket prices are as follows:

Dover's Dr. Martens League Cup encounter against local rivals Folkestone Invicta, which was postponed due to the FA Cup replay against Woking, has been rescheduled for Monday 11 November at Crabble, kick-off at 7:45pm.

Dover Athletic have a massive incentive to beat Woking on Tuesday evening in their FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replay and progress to the First Round for the first time in the club's history. Not only is there £20,000 from the prize fund at stake but the winners of that game will play hosts to Third Division Oxford United on Saturday 16 November.

Dover's Dr. Martens League Cup match against local rivals Folkestone Invicta, due to have been played tomorrow, will now be rescheduled due to Tuesday's cup replay.

Dover will have at least three first-teamers unavailable for this afternoon's FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round encounter with Woking at Crabble. Darren Davies (knee) and Paul forward Paul Sykes (back) are both still not fit whilst key midfielder Lee Spiller serves the second game of a four match suspension following his dismissal against Welling two weeks ago.

On the plus side, manager Clive Walker hopes to welcome back play-maker Jamie Day, hero of the victory over Welling in the last round, and midfielder Danny Chapman.

Dover Athletic were given a boost ahead of this weekend's crucial FA Cup clash with Woking by the news that manager Clive Walker and young stars Simon Glover and Michael Smissen have signed new contracts.

Walker has been rewarded for his excellent work since being promoted from assistant manager in the summer. The club are second in the league, a point off the top, and still in the FA Cup. The new deal will keep Walker at Crabble at least until the end of the 2003/2004 season.

Meanwhile Simon Glover, thrust into the limelight by injury problems at Crabble has been rewarded for his displays by a new deal until 2004. Youth team captain Michael "Buster" Smissen, who has been on the bench this season but is yet to make his first team debut, has signed Dr. Martens League forms until the end of the season.

Dover Athletic Football Club needs committed volunteers to help distribute and display posters advertising matches and club fund-raising events in Dover and the surrounding areas.

The future of the club depends on its ability to generate revenue through fund-raising activities, and in order for these to be successful they must be well advertised. If there are any supporters who can give up some of their free time on a regular basis to help promote these activities by distributing posters to locations in their area, please e-mail Supporters Trust secretary Ritchie Hulks with your details.

An article has appeared on the back page of the Dover Express concerning the relationship between the Club and Mr John Spencer, a well-known figure at Crabble for the past few seasons.

A situation has occurred within the Youth section of the Club that has led to John reviewing his involvement, although he has led us to believe he will remain as manager of the under 16s till the end of the season at least.

Although every attempt was made to resolve the issues at Youth Committee level, and while hopeful that he may decide otherwise, the Board has expressed their disappointment at Mr Spencer's decision, if he does decide to finally sever his connections with the Club. Attempts have been made to meet with John, whose business does dictate that he is often out of the country.

John made it clear from the outset that any support he could offer the Club would arrive via the Supporter's Trust, for whom he has been a staunch supporter and it was by his introduction that Marinus Kraak joined the Club's Board.

We have today received Mr Kraak's resignation with no reasons being given behind his decision.

At no time has either Marinus or John made any financial commitment to the Club and while any assistance they could have offered would have been extremely welcome, there is no reason to believe that, without it, the Club will falter.

Following last night's 3-1 victory over Welling United in the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round replay, Dover face old friends Woking at Crabble in the Fourth Qualifying Round.

Woking are currently struggling at the wrong of the Conference table but will provide a stern test for Clive Walker's side. The last time the two club's met was at Crabble in April in the Conference when the result was an entertaining 2-2 draw as both clubs were battling against relegation.

Games between Dover and Woking are traditionally entertaining affairs and with £20,000 in prize money from the FA plus a place in the draw for the First Round at stake it should be a memorable match.

The game will be played on Saturday 26th October, which means midfielder Lee Spiller will be suspended following his dismissal against Welling on Saturday. Dover's league game against Moor Green which was due to be played on this date will now be rescheduled.

The early running for the Dr. Martens League Premier Division title is very close after this evenings matches. Dover remain a point off the top after weekend leaders Worcester City lost 1-0 at Bath, Crawley are the new leaders, but only on goal difference as they could manage only a 2-2 draw at home to Folkestone. Tamworth and Tiverton stay on the pace with wins but Grantham miss the chance to go top, going down 3-0 at Moor Green.

There are now only 2 points between sixth placed Grantham and leaders Crawley and only 5 between Crawley and 10th placed Hednesford.

Dover's cup opponents this Saturday, Welling United lost 1-0 at Havant.

The draw for the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup brings former Dover boss Bill Williams back to Crabble to face the man who served as his assistant at Crabble for four and a half years, current Whites boss Clive Walker. Williams is now in charge of Dover's old local rivals in their Conference years, Welling United. The tie will be played on Saturday 12 October with the two sides bidding for cup glory and £10,000 in prize money.

Maybe indicative of the spirit that exists in Clive's new, young squad is that they clubbed together to buy tracksuits, polo shirts and sports bag in order to look more of a professional unit.

These have not come cheap but how often have we stood in the Centre Spot and seen the opposition come in "kitted out" and wished we had that for our lot! Much thanks goes to Lee Spiller for organizing this and, with his blessing, we are asking if anyone would like to sponsor the tracksuits. We're sure we can have your name on the tops - if you're interested, please contact Gavin at the Club on (01304) 822373.

The Dover Athletic Web-Mail service has been unavailable for the last few days due to complications arising from the transfer of the club website and Internet domain names to a new hosting company. The service is now back up and running and I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. The direct link to the mail pages is now at http://dafc.mail.everyone.net.

Dover Athletic will face Basingstoke Town at Crabble on Saturday 28 September in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. The Whites, who enter the competition two rounds earlier than in previous seasons as result of their relegation from the Nationwide Conference, will be looking to reverse the result from the last meeting of the two sides. In the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round in 1998, after a postponement and then a draw, Basingstoke came from behind to win the replay at Crabble 2-1 and progressed to the First Round proper.

This season there is £7,500 from the FA Cup Prize Fund at stake in each Second Qualifying Round tie, and with a further £30,000 on offer in the two subsequent qualifying rounds before the First Round proper, the FA Cup offers cash-strapped clubs the chance to ease their financial situations.

The Supporters Trust have organised another one of their popular general knowledge quizes to help raise much-needed funds to help them support the football club. The Quiz Night is this Friday at The Centre Spot, starting at 8:00pm. Everybody is welcome and the cost is £2.00 per person for teams of up to eight people.

This Saturday (14th September) there will be a Fans' Forum in the Centre Spot at 5:30pm, after the home match against Stafford Rangers. This is an opportunity for supporters to put their questions to manager Clive Walker and the club board. All supporters are welcome and admission is free.

As previously announced, discussions preceding the Hinckley match between Chairman Micky Kemp and Mr Peter Fry of A. Simmonds (The Jewellers of the South East) has led to a sponsorship deal for the new Home Kit. It will also include a re-vamping of the Golden Goals lottery, for which details will be available soon.

In offering the sincere thanks to Peter from all corners of the Club, we expect the shirts to be on sale with effect from the Stafford Rangers match, scheduled for Saturday, 14th September.

Shortly after the match, a second discussion took place whereby Mr Kevin King (of Heritage International Transport Ltd) offered to sponsor the new Yellow and Blue Away strip, which should also be available from the Club shop this Saturday. Equally, our warmest thanks are also due to Kevin.

At present, the Club is still in the process of setting up new banking facilities and, because of this, we cannot accept Credit Card payments in the Shop.

Personal cheques supported by a Cheque Guarantee card can be accepted. Where we might find demand exceeds supply for the new shirts, order times are relatively short and where we are not due back at Crabble in the DML until Saturday 7th October, shirts that are ordered with full payment can be collected from the Club's offices upon production of a receipt.

Please be patient!

We are still looking for other sponsors and advertisers to come forward and those of you who have placed (and paid for) program adverts should see this appear in the Stafford Rangers program. Again, many thanks for your understanding.

While we are delighted with the new shirt sponsorship deals, we are looking to attract others who would like to identify with the Club. The Stadium, The Centre Spot, both River and Dover End Stands, the Family Stand can all be sponsored, as can "The Whites of the Road" - DAFC's (currently unbeaten) tour of the DML.

For details of how to go about taking up any of these sponsorships, please speak initially with Gavin or Judy at the Club's offices (01304 822373) or e-mail dover.athletic@virgin.net.

They will pass you details on to Chairman Micky Kemp who will contact you directly.

We can still add to the program, prices range from £399 for a quarter page, £540 half page and £720 full pages. We are also putting touches to our Pub page - any of you internet Landlords or Landladies can contact Gavin at the Club.

CLIVE WALKER saluted his young side's awesome first half performance at Cheriton Road on Monday - and paid tribute to ex-Folkestone favourites Nicky Dent and Danny Chapman. Chapman was impressive in the middle of the park, while Dent grabbed the two early goals that proved decisive.

The Dover boss said: "The first 25 minutes was as good as I've seen us play. It was great stuff and to think that this was Danny and Nicky's first game was a big plus for me.

"Danny's hardly done any pre-season preparation because of his injury and Nicky has missed our first three games. They both were very impressive, although understandably tired at the end.

"After the opening 25 minutes, I thought we took our foot off the gas and invited Folkestone to come at us. I wasn't happy with the penalty decision, but these things happen. Thankfully it didn't prove to be crucial, as we won anyway."

Walker is still desperately trying to add two more players to the side - and, with Tommy Tyne and Paul Sykes both injured, a marksman is top of his list.

He said: "We could do with another striker for sure. We are still looking, but we're not going to sign a player for the sake of it. He has to be better than what we've got. There's no point signing players to make up the numbers.

"I could do with another centre half, but it looks as though Stuart Munday isn't going to come here. He's not got back to us at all."

Defensive mistakes which led to Dover's 2-0 defeat at home to Weymouth worried Walker. He admitted: "Because we're a young side, we'll make mistakes. We've started well and I just hope it continues. But you never know with young lads. They all need 100 games at this level under their belt. That will obviously make them better. We've got some bright lads and their performances have been the biggest positive for me so far this season."

Dover Athletic yesterday announced that they have arranged a new shirt sponsorship deal, with jewellers A.Simmonds. Simmonds are a local firm with branches across East Kent. The deal means Dover's new home shirts will bear the Simmonds logo. The Whites' previous sponsorship deal, with Jenkins & Pain, expired at the end of last season but until now the team had still been wearing the old strip until a new sponsor could be found. The old Vandanel strips will now be replaced with new designs made by Admiral and replica shirts will be available from the club shop shortly.

DOVER ATHLETIC head into the unknown in this Saturday's Dr Martens curtain-raiser at Moor Green. Whites may have won two Southern League Premier Division titles before their Conference era, but boss Clive Walker admits that counts for nothing now. And with a young, but talented side, Dover can expect a tough return to the rigours of Southern League football in the Midlands.

Walker, who is hoping to sign a central defender and possibly striker before Saturday, admitted: "I haven't a clue what to expect at Moor Green. They've been finishing in the top six over the last few seasons and have lost something like just one game at home in the last two years. So it'll be tough.

"This is an acid test for us. We've a young squad and there'll be some difficult trips up North. We've got to cope with this and at this moment I don't know how they will. But we look a good side and there's been plenty of plus points to come out of this pre-season campaign. I believe we're in better shape than last season.

"However we've lost the bulk of our team from the Conference and we've got to get some experienced players into the side to help guide the youngsters."

Walker believes his side can be up towards the top end of the table - but admits promotion is going to be a hard target to reach. "We want to win the league, but one promotion spot is tough by any standards, but we'll be trying our best." added the Whites boss.

Ex-Dover defender Stuart Munday has not contacted the club about a proposed move back to Crabble and was only due back from a holiday this week. Walker still wants to sign the former Brighton player, but said it would be unlikely to see him in action for a number of weeks. "I'm not sure how fit Stuart is at the moment," said Walker. "If he signed, it would take a couple of weeks for him to regain match fitness. But I do have other irons in the fire and one player we're after is presently out of contract and in dispute with his club. We're watching developments."

Paul Sykes is already signed on a week-to-week contract - but Walker wants another hitman in the side. He said: "It's all going to come down to money. We're keeping things very tight at the club, so we'll only spend what is realistic."

DOVER'S returning hero Nicky Dent is enjoying his renaissance at Crabble after almost a decade away, but he did reveal that the offer to come back came as a shock.

Speaking after the 3-1 victory over Sittingbourne, in which Dent grabbed his second goal of the pre-season campaign with a well placed penalty, he said: "I didn't expect the chance to come back here and play, so when I had the phone call from Paul Hyde I was beginning to talk to Ashford Town as well, but as soon as I spoke to Hydie it was basically sold and the deal was done within 24 hours or so."

The 34 year-old marksman admits he is probably fitter now than he was in his first spell, and believes that this owes a lot to the tough pre-season training regime the squad was put through by assistant manager Paul Hyde.

He said: "I was getting a bit stale over at Folkestone. I was at the end of a three-year contract. Hydie warned me it was going to be difficult over here, but I knew that it was what I needed to give me a good run at the season. It was tough, but I managed to get through it and I'm reaping the benefits at the moment."

Dent is probably in a better position than most to judge the standard of the Dr Martens League Premier Division, having played at this level for Folkestone for the past two seasons. He believes that it will be a difficult season, but he does think that Dover are capable of challenging for the title. He says that there are still a few things to iron out in training, but the team will be ready for the kick off next week.

Talking about the team's chances he said: "It's going to be tough, I'll make no bones about it. There's always a few of the clubs up north who throw in good challenges when they've got a bit of money around.

"This is a relatively young side, there's not a lot of experience. We're missing some key players such as Danny Chapman. I feel talent wise, it's the best squad I've been involved in for many, many years, and I think if we can gel as a team and start working together, the team spirit's good and I think there's no reason why we can't mount a challenge at least this season."

Those Crabble regulars who were around during Dent's first spell 10 years ago will remember his spectacular goal from inside his own half, in a hat-trick scoring display against Dorchester. Just to prove it wasn't a fluke he repeated the feat whilst playing for Folkestone last season. When asked whether he would be trying something similar this season he said: "If I get the opportunity I'll be shooting. Watch this space!"

Dover's new utility player Andy Arnott is pleased to be back playing regular first team football after being plagued by injury over the past couple of seasons.

Local rivals Margate also showed an interest in signing the versatile defensive midfielder, who is equally as comfortable playing at centre half, but no contract offer was made which allowed Dover boss Clive Walker to swoop.

Speaking after the friendly with Dover's rivals from Hartsdown Park Arnott said: "I was actually speaking to Margate, but there wasn't anything concrete on the table from them. I hadn't played for a couple of years, and Clive was offering me a chance to step back into a proper standard of football and play a few games, so I took his hand off when he offered me the chance."

Arnott, who joined the club from Conference outfit Stevenage Borough, has been standing in as captain in the absence of the injured Danny Chapman during the pre-season. He believes he is adapting well to his new surroundings at Crabble.

He said: "I think I'm settling in alright. I've known Clive for a few years, and Hydie from Orient, and a few of the other lads for a few years so it's been easy. They're a good bunch of lads, a young squad, but they're all enthusiastic."

The 28 year-old began his career as a centre forward at Gillingham before playing for Leyton Orient, Brighton and Colchester.

Talking about his versatility as a player, he said: "I don't mind where I play as long as I'm in the starting 11, but either centre back or centre midfield I don't mind. The holding role in midfield is where managers usually play me."

Arnott says the players have put the shock of the 10-0 defeat by Gillingham firmly behind them now. He also believes that with the addition of some new players for this season, the squad has put to bed any memories of last season's nightmare.

Speaking on the current squad's chances this season he commented: "I think it's improving every game now. It's a young side, but there's a lot of players who have played a higher standard of football. I haven't seen this league but if we play like we did today we've got a good chance. There's a lot of good technical players, and there's a lot of players who are going to work hard for you, so I think we've got a good chance."

Arnott, who is know to his team-mates as "Arnie", believes that after the 2-1 victory over Margate the team are finally starting to come together.

When asked whether the team was beginning to gel he said: "If you'd asked me before the game today I'd have said not yet, but now since the final whistle definitely. That was by far our best performance."

Dover will play their first Southern League match in over 9 years at Moor Green on Saturday 17 August. The fixtures were published this week, and with tenants Margate scheduled to play at Crabble on the opening day of the season, Dover will be away. The Whites' first home game comes two days later when Crawley Town visit Crabble and Dover are at home again on the Saturday, facing Weymouth. There is an early local derby with Athletic travelling to Cheriton Road to face Folkestone Invicta on Monday 26th. The return fixture is on Boxing Day, but the Whites have to travel to Havant on New Year's Day. The season finishes on May 3rd at home to Worcester City.

GOALKEEPING legend Maurice Munden could be making a shock return to Crabble. Super Mo, as he is affectionately known on the Crabble terraces, has contacted Dover assistant boss Paul Hyde and offered his services to the club.

Munden, now 39, was a hero at Dover and played in all three Dover Athletic championship-winning teams that romped the Southern League Premier and Southern Divisions. He has spent the last couple of years playing for Fisher Athletic and Hyde said, despite his age, he is still a good goalkeeper at Dr Martens League level. Hyde, who only last week completed the signing of Nicky Dent nearly a decade after he left the club, said: "Phil Smith is probably going to leave. Obviously, there's myself and Mo is happy to come and help us out if needed.

"I've no doubts that Mo would still do a good job for us. He is a legend in Dover and there's no doubt if we need someone to help us out - Mo's the man!"

Munden left the club when former boss Chris Kinnear axed him and signed Darren WIlliams from Welling eight years ago.

MARGATE striker Phil Collins will not be heading to Crabble - all the while the Thanet club want a fee for the prolific marksman.

Whites assistant-boss Paul Hyde confirmed the club were interested in signing the out-of-favour Margate man, but the Hartsdown Park side were asking for a large fee.

Gate are believed to want up to £20,000 for the player who helped shoot them into the Conference with his 32 goals in their Dr Martens League Championship-winning season in 2000-01.

Hyde is a big Collins fan and admitted: "We'd love to sign him and have made enquiries. However, Margate want a very big fee, one we simply can't afford. If Margate do want to offload him, then we'd be happy to have him here, but we can't pay fees for players at the moment.

"Phil's a great lad. He's so competitive and works very hard. The man's a winner and we'd love him in a Dover shirt."

Striker Nicky Dent signed a one-year deal on Tuesday and Stevenage utility man Andy Arnott completed a three-year deal the same day. Now Hyde hopes ex-Whites defender Stuart Munday will join Dover, but Welling this week tabled an offer for the player.

Hyde said: "I think Stuart would rather come to Dover, but Welling is nearer his home. I guess it's all going to come down to which club offers him the most money. He hasn't got back to me yet. I had been expecting him to call this week, but Stuart's obviously considering his options."

Midfielder Lee McRobert is still being lined up to return to Crabble - but he has to prove his fitness first. Hyde said McRobert's talent is "unquestionable". However, he added that the midfielder "had a lot to prove still".

Dent's signing, urges Hyde, is a great boost. Although Dent left the club a decade ago and is now aged 34, Hyde believes he is hungry to do well again at Crabble.

"Nicky wants to show the Dover fans he can still do it," said Hyde. "He loved his year here when the club won the Southern League. Nicky is, I'm sure, going to be a hit again. We've told him, if he does well, in December we'll look at extending his contract."

CRABBLE folk hero Nicky Dent is set to return - and Dover assistant boss Paul Hyde believes he could be the best striker in the Dr Martens League. The flamboyant marksman, who spent one memorable season at Dover when the club won the Premier Division championship in 1992-93, is sure to be a popular signing among fans.

Although he is now aged 34, Hyde has no doubts that Dent can play a star role in Dover's bid to bounce straight back up into the Conference.

Hyde said: "He's a very talented player. I spoke to him this week and he hopefully will be signing for us in the next day or two. He can play in both boxes, attacking or defending, and I've no doubt he's going to be a great signing for us. He is probably the best striker in the Dr Martens League when it comes to talent."

Dent will probably be best remembered for his stunning goal from the halfway line in a 3-0 rout against Dorchester when Whites walked through the Premier Division on their way to a memorable second Southern League title.

Stevenage midfielder Andy Arnott, formerly with Gillingham and Leyton Orient, is also set to join Dover. The 28-year-old missed half of Stevenage's games last term with a groin injury, but he is now fighting fit and eager to make an impression on the Whites midfield.

Meanwhile, defender Stuart Munday is set to make a decision within the next day or two whether he will be returning to the club and midfielder Kevin Seabury is also expected to decide his future.

Hyde said: "Stuart's keen to come back. He is going to get back to us this week. I'm very hopeful we can sign him.

"Kevin enjoyed himself here last year. He does live in the Midlands, so it's a bit of a hike for him. But I know that he wants to be here next season, so we'll have to wait and see."

Defender Jake Leberl wants to return to the club for pre-season training if things don't work out during his trial at Bristol Rovers. But Hyde concedes Leberl might leave if he gets a good offer elsewhere.

Keith Scott is still on holiday and has not left the club, contrary to a bogus forum posting on the club's official website this week.

Hyde said: "We're going for it this season. A top five finish would be an achievement, but we want to win it and go straight back into the Conference."

Yesterday morning's meeting of the Club's Creditors to discuss the proposal for a Creditors Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) went totally unopposed. Proxy voting representing more than £230,000 of the Club's estimated £400,000 debts voted for the proposal, representing 100% support under the terms of the CVA.

The Club's major shareholders, John and Alan Husk, were also present to vote for the motion. They have unequivocally backed the actions taken by the Board, which I see as the first major step to securing the long term future of the Football Club and I will be writing to them thanking them for their support and agreeing details of the Life President packages we would like them to accept, which will make them more visible around the Club next season.

The hard work starts now to ensure the Club is run on a sound economic footing within very tight budgetary constraints. In his web-site article last weekend, Roger Knight offers sound advice and, while suggesting he may not have followed the CVA route, his words of support are also gratefully received.

Without a backer of the extent that Jim Gleeson supported the Club during the past two seasons, the Club's supporters must face up to their responsibilities, where a large tranche of the Club's shares will find their way to the Supporters Trust as a rather complex process of replacing Bank guarantees now moves into its final phase.

It is hoped and expected that the supporters will turn up in force at Crabble on Saturday afternoon (at 4pm) to attend the first Fans Forum where Micky Kemp, John Farringdon and I will attempt to answers all their questions. The meeting is open to ALL fans, not just Trust Members.

See you all Saturday.

MIDFIELDERS Jamie Day and Darren Davies have both committed themselves to Dover for two years. Both players had one season left to run on their current deals, but the duo have decided they want to commit themselves for a further season. Walker, speaking after the pair put pen to paper on a one-year extension, said: "I'm so pleased they've agreed to a new deal. They are both good players and will be part of what is hopefully turning out to be a strong side for next season's campaign in the Dr Martens League."

Former Whites defender Stuart Munday and Kevin Seabury are both top of Walker's list as he bids to strengthen his backline, weakened by Lee Shearer's departure to Margate. Jake Leberl, who is also a Margate target, is having a trial with Bristol Rovers - and Walker will wait to see how that develops, although the Dover boss would "love it" if Leberl would commit himself to helping his local club back into the Conference.

Striker Keith Scott's future should be known within the next week. He has been offered a new deal. Walker said: "There are three players I'm looking at bringing in and I'm hopeful we can get them. Stuart is one of them and he is keen. But there are other clubs talking to him, so we'll see what happens."

Walker jets off to the States on Thursday and will return on July 21. Paul Hyde will complete any deals set-up by Walker while he is away. If none of them come off, Walker will still have enough time to strengthen his hand before the season kicks off.

This Saturday at 4:00pm in the Centre Spot there will be a meeting for all supporters at which the Supporters Trust and representatives of the club (including chairman Mick Kemp) will update supporters on the current situation at the club and the way forward.

The Supporters Trust has come a long way since the idea of a was first proposed in October. On Monday evening Trust vice-chairman John Farringdon was officially elected by the Trust board as the Trust's representative to serve on the club's board of directors.

Supporters Trust chairman Simon Harris said: "I cannot stress too much the importance of this meeting, and I hope that the Centre Spot will be as packed as it was last October when we first initiated the idea of a Supporters Trust. We need to ensure that our club is able to survive not only next season in the Doc. Martens League, but also long into the future."

The Dover Athletic Supporters Trust has announced two evenings of entertainment that it has arranged in the near future.

On Friday 28 June there will be a general knowledge Quiz Night in the Centre Spot, starting at 7:30pm. The cost is £2.00 for teams of up to 8 people. Profits raised will go to the Supporters Trust.

Another date for your diary is Friday 16 August (the day before our first Dr. Martens League fixture). There will be a Race Night at the Centre Spot, details of which will be published in due course.

DOVER boss Clive Walker is still hoping former Whites defender Stuart Munday will re-join the club.

Munday left Dover during the last close season to link up with Bill Williams at Kingstonian. He quit the Ryman League club after only a couple of months and is currently a free agent.

Walker is flying to the United States this Thursday to coach for a month, but the Dover boss will leave Paul Hyde to chase up any players he has earmarked.

With Lee Shearer joining Margate and Jake Leberl seemingly poised to depart too, Walker is looking to strengthen his defence and also bring in another striker.

He said: "Stuart's still thinking it over. I am interested in him, but we'll have to wait and see how things develop."

Kevin Seabury is also another who might sign for the new season and if Walker was to sign those two, there is little doubt that Whites will have one of strongest defences in the Dr Martens League next season.

CLIVE WALKER wants to build his challenge for a swift return to the Conference from the back. He has signed talented young defender Nick Humphrey - and admits defence is his main priority, Humphrey, who has signed from Eastern Division club Tonbridge, is highly rated by Walker's scouts - but the Dover boss revealed he has only watched him once.

Walker said: "He comes highly recommended and when I saw him play myself the lad was great. Nick isn't here just as a development player. He is coming to take up the challenge of holding down a regular first team place. He's ambitious in his football career and I've got high hopes for him."

Danny Chapman rejoins from Folkestone Invicta after being available on a free transfer. The Dover manager believes Chapman should never have been released by the club in the first place.

He said: "Danny can have a strong influence on the team and he's jumped at the chance to come back to us."

However news remains grim regarding central defence pair Jake Leberl and Lee Shearer. Walker remains hopeful they will both stay, but is now having to plan next season's team without them.

Walker said: "They want to play at the highest level possible and I can't fault them for that. However they have been given an offer and it's almost at the 'take it or leave it' stage.

"Our defence is my biggest concern. Because if they go, we have a big hole in our side, so I am already looking for replacements. But I sincerely hope they stay. They've both given the club great service and are popular lads at Crabble."

Midfielder Kevin Seabury is still not out of the equation. Walker admitted: "He could still be joining us. That would be a big bonus."

Kristian James has re-signed, but Neil LeBihan has joined big-spending Crawley Town, who will be one of the contenders for the Dr Martens League title.

Walker said: "I was disappointed to lose Neil. We wanted him to stay, but Crawley have offered him more money and it's nearer to Neil's home. I wish him well, although it's very disappointing to lose him to a Dr Martens club."

The Reserves, Under 18s and PASE players joined forces for their end of season bash at the Centre Spot on Saturday.

The players were joined by relations and friends to a sit-down meal followed by the presentations made by Clive Walker and John Farringdon.

The evening was rounded off with a karaoke - the high spot being all the players on stage with a rendition of Queen's 'We Are The Champions' and with all the silverware on show who could argue with them?

The major awards were:

The Reserve Team management collected five trophies at the Bass Brewers Kent Football League Annual Presentation Dinner held at the Ramada Jarvis International Hotel at Maidstone last Saturday.

The Division One Champions and Division One Cup Winners Cups were also presented the shield for winning the Division One (South) League along with the Harry March Bowl for being Highest Scorers in Division One with 76 goals (thats nearly four a game), and also the Division One (South) Fair Play Award, this was close, picking up one less booking than Deal and Folkestone who were joint second. The Fair Play Award is worth £250 to spend on kit.

The Leagues new sponsors for the next three seasons will be'Go Travel' it will be called 'Go Travel Kent Football League'.

Firstly, congrats to your own web-site wizard Daniel Dyer, he's now on the Board of the Supporters Trust and will be lending his much needed skills for the next 12 months at least.

You've all read the articles in the Dover Express and Mercury and you should understand we are trying to be as open as is possible in every area involved in running the Club. My septuagenarian mother, however, believes that Jimmy Winter has some dislike of me, brought about by his constant reference to me by my surname.

However, those of us who attended "the Academy" during the 60s will know this to be a formality, perpetuated by one Alexander S Pitceathly whose memory remains with me still. Mr P, whose shares a surname with Simon, head of some Banking fraternity in the UK, was a man with a style all of his own and in this it is Jimmy (why do we call him Jimmy, his name's Mark?) recalls this memory.

Mark (see, got it right) is a Leicester City supporter and I only ever knew one other - the late David Alcock. Dave was a great lad and a brilliant goalie. A certain Mr Pitceathly had this notion that, being a goalie, Dave would make a good wicket keeper! Petrified at the thought, a 12-year old Dave wondered off "somewhere behind the pavilion" but with true Yorkshire grit, enter a certain John Comley.

Many of you may have come across John (now 50) in several grades of Football and those of you who have will not have forgotten him in a hurry. John still lives (and plays) in the Deal area and is a constant topic of discussion between me and the multi-talented Robin Hastie. I best remember Robin from a crucial stage in a 5-a-side semi final at the Western Heights. With seconds left in the shoulder-height game, his Blue Streaks were awarded a free kick just outside my goal area. Being something of a "Rodney Marsh" at the time, Robin said to his team mates "I'll chip this over their heads" and promptly did, this being the last kick off the match and one they lost!

This rather long-winded pre-amble brings me back to the whole point of the message in that we have all known better times and some of them weren't that long ago. Bill Williams has recently left us, hopefully for happier times at Welling United and while the last season was one we'd rather forget, he was at the Club and instrumental in the Club's best Conference days.

We have to move on though and we've still much to do before a ball is kicked in anger. We need the support of the community if the Club is to survive and then succeed. I've read John Husk's contribution and (as you would expect) he has it dead right. We've laid down a 5-year plan. It is more about finances than football, but that's why I'm at the Club. Don't tell me I don't love my Football or my Club; its just that I have more to offer at a different level. When we go back to the Conference, it will be at a time when finances match expectations. You can't have Conference ambitions and payrolls with Doc Martens (no disrespect, Doc) attendances and finances.

So I say to my septuagenarian mother, if during the next 12 months, Jimmy (and the fans) call me no worse than my surname, I'll have few complaints.

MATT CARRUTHERS and Tommy Tyne have committed themselves to Dover for two years.

Manager Clive Walker, who is fighting hand over fist to keep his star players despite the club suffering relegation to the Dr Martens League, completed the deal with the two players on Thursday.

Versatile local lad Carruthers and talented young striker Tyne both had one more year to run on their existing contracts, but both extended for another year to keep them at Crabble until the end of the 2003-04 season.

Walker said: "They're both important players and I am pleased they're happy to stay here to help us fight our way back into the Conference. We really want to have a good go at trying to bounce back straight away and these two players are an important part of what we want to do."

Walker said all his contracted players are not free to leave, although the Whites boss did admit the club's account was still frozen - meaning that some players are owed money. However, the Dover manager has been in close contact with all his players and is still hopeful he can hold on to some of the key players, namely Lee Shearer, Jake Leberl and Neil LeBihan. But Walker is a realist and knows he might have to look elsewhere. However he still hopes they will stay.

He said: "They're good players. I'd want them to stay if we were in the Conference, so of course I'd love them to be around for our bid for the Dr Martens League title."

Walker is now going away to Portugal on holiday for a week, but his assistant, Paul Hyde, will continue the discussions with players while the boss is abroad.

General manager Bill Williams, meanwhile, has been appointed Welling's new manager - and chairman Mick Kemp said the club were hoping to speak to former boss Neville Southall about a possible return to Crabble.

Walker's position as manager is not in doubt. Kemp said: "Neville won't be getting involved in playing matters, but we do want to speak to him about what he might be able to do for this club."

Restrictions imposed on the Fans Forum section of this website have been lifted to encourage supporters to have their say about the club. The removal of the restrictions was suggested at a meeting of the Supporters Trust board on Tuesday evening. Director Steve Cattermole agreed with the motion and the club board hope this will encourage more open and constructive dialogue between the club and its fans.

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Clive Walker tonight completed his first signing for next season - and believes he has uncovered "the new Simon Wormull". Walker secured the signature this evening of central midfielder Lee Spiller from Ryman League club Chesham and could not contain his delight after capturing the 24-year-old former Gillingham, Gravesend and Margate player.

He completed the deal in a hotel in Maidstone and within minutes of the ink drying on the contract told the Dover Athletic official website:

"This is a major signing for us and I believe we've got a player of a similar calibre to Simon Wormull. I have known Lee for some years and keenly watched his career develop. He played a couple of first team games for Gillingham as a youngster and then went on to play for Gravesend and Margate. He's a great player and I'm delighted he has chosen to sign for Dover Athletic."

If the Whites manager is right, and Spiller does have the playmaking skills of former Dover star Wormull, the Crabble faithful will be very happy indeed.

Walker is determined to build a side that can win next season's Dr Martens League Premier Division Championship and a quick return to the Nationwide Conference, although the Whites boss does admit "it's not going to be easy". However he said:

"I want to get players in that will get us out of this league. We've got to win the championship to get promoted, which is no easy task, but that's what we are striving for. Dover Athletic is a club that has a good reputation, so it's not a completely thankless task trying to attract players here. Lee was one of two players I wanted for sure, so I am very happy."

Spiller joins Dover on a one-year contract and Walker hopes he will unveil another new signing later this week. The Whites boss also has other irons in the fire and plans to be busy in the transfer market this summer.

Walker also today signed 'keeper Paul Hyde for another season, but still has no news on the future of Dover's remaining out-of-contract players. Midfielder Jimmy Strouts joined Gravesend last week, despite not being offered better terms by the Conference new-boys and striker Scott Ramsay has signed for Dr Martens Eastern Division side Eastbourne Borough.

The Dover boss said: "I offered Jimmy a contract and Gravesend came along with a deal that wasn't any better than ours. But he's opted to join Gravesend, so that was his decision.

"Scott Ramsay has joined Eastbourne Borough. I wanted him to stay here, because he has potential, but he lives in Eastbourne and has just got a new job there too.

"The other lads out of contract are still deciding what to do. Lee Shearer, Jake Leberl, Kristian James and Neil Le Bihan have all been offered deals and I really hope they all sign.

"But Gravesend and Margate are in the market and there's always a chance they want to pick players up. I'm realistic and already making plans to cover ourselves if they decide to leave. We will probably lose a couple of players. Not because of money or what has happened at the club. Our players are ambitious and might not be able to resist the chance to play Conference football."

Dover's top scorer last season, Keith Scott, has another year to run on his contract, but it is still uncertain whether he will feature for the club again. Walker has to sit down with the skipper later this week to discuss his future.

Walker is on holiday in Portugal next week and will be in the United States for a month from the end of June. However he will still be on the phone on club business in Portugal and "everything should be in place on the playing side" before he jets across the Atlantic. Walker is clearly working hard and has only one thing on his mind: "To get Dover back into the Conference."

Clive Walker's preparations for next season have taken a blow with the news that influential midfield general Jimmy Strouts (right) has signed for newly promoted Gravesend & Northfleet. Strouts, who has played nearly 250 games for the Whites and scored 40 goals in his two spells at Crabble, signed for the Fleet on a free transfer.

Meanwhile forward Leon Kelly who impressed on loan from Cambridge at the end of last season has signed for Unibond League side Ilkeston Town.

FORMER Dover chairman John Husk said the club's return to the Dr Martens League could bring back the "good old days" but warned that Mick Kemp and his new board face an uphill battle.

Husk, who along with his brother Alan is the club's major shareholder, said: "It's a good job the club have been relegated. The new board wouldn't have had a cat in hell's chance of keeping the club afloat in the Conference with those debts. The Conference is becoming more of a big money league every year and it is that league that nearly killed this club."

However, it is the Dr Martens League where Whites will be plying their trade next season and, although Dover fans would rather be playing Yeovil, Woking and Halifax next season, trips to Folkestone, Crawley and Welling don't sound too bad.

Husk said: "The Southern League brings back many happy memories. It was there where we had all our success. Those were the good old days and they can return again, but it's going to be a big struggle as the club are not in as strong as a position coming back into the Southern League as it was when being promoted to the Conference.

"There are lots of local games so I think fans can look forward to those, but I do think that the club is going to need a couple of years to regroup before it can really be strong enough again to tackle the Conference."

However, times have changed since Husk, Chris Kinnear and Co. took Dover Athletic into the Conference nine years ago. The play-off system is being introduced to the Conference next season, ironically the year Dover will not be there.

With the Conference a dead league unless you were in the top three chasing the championship or bottom six or seven trying to avoid relegation, the play-offs are bound to improve attendance figures for mid-table clubs. Husk added: "The club will need more money if they are ever to compete at the top of the Conference again."

DOVER ATHLETIC have a new board of directors and now the hard work begins. The relegated Whites, who hope to be confirmed as a Dr Martens League club at the start of June, can now start plotting their way back to the Nationwide Conference - but only after they can get their house back in order. Local businessman Mick Kemp is chairman of a fresh four-man board, which has a Dutch of class about it. For Dutch shipping broker Marinus Kraak is on board alongside John Farringdon (Supporters Trust representative) and Steve Cattermole (finance director and company secretary). A support board will also be formed, hopefully next week, which will effectively be the club's management committee.

Kemp, speaking exclusively to the official Dover Athletic website, said: "Now the hard work begins, but we have a board now, so things really can begin to be sorted out at this club and our aim is to put it back onto a solid financial footing."

The new Whites chairman hasn't got a bottomless pit of money, nor does he have the kind of funds that ex-chairman Jim Gleeson had, but Kemp has a supporters-orientated board. And from the fans' point of view, the club is virtually in their control. John Farringdon has been a loyal stalwart, along with his wife Denise, with the Dover Athletic Supporters Club, serving as a committee member and chairman. He will be the Supporters Trust's representative on the board, while Steve Cattermole, another supporter, acts as the club's secretary and finance director. Kemp said: "We have so many things to do, but we're just delighted to be in the position we are now. Our first priority is to get some players signed up so we have a team for next season! Also we've got to get some games arranged so we have a good pre-season build up to the new season."

Clive Walker will definitely be the club's manager next season. His spells in charge last season were easily the highlight of what was, to be frank, a pitiful campaign that led to Dover being relegated from the Conference after nine years. The new Whites chairman said: "Clive's position doesn't change. The only thing that does change is that he can now start sorting the team out. Our priority isn't to bounce back straight away but if we win the Dr Martens League Championship and get promoted back to the Conference in one season I'll be jumping up and down like everyone else."

The club's bank account is still frozen but that is expected to be back up and running next week. Simon Harris, the Supporters Trust chairman, said fans have never been given such a big say in the running of the club as this. He said: "The Trust has a major say in what happens at Dover Athletic. No longer does the club have to rely on just one or a few individuals. At present, the Trust is raising £825 a month. We have a membership of 450 and that money is being financed by 80 people. If we could get everyone donating a little every month, or week, it raises the coffers and reduces the burden on a minority of people to help fund the club. The club can go as far as the local community wants it to."

The Trust now has a good size shareholding of the club and Whites' new board have a five-year business plan. Bill Williams, meanwhile, is still working at Dover Athletic and Kemp said he would be sitting down with him to discuss the future as soon as possible.

SIMON HARRIS, the Supporters Trust chairman, took time to answer fans' questions. These questions were put to Simon the week the board resigned, but Simon has tried to bring everyone as up to date as possible.

JUSTIN ALLEN: "Can you bring us all up to date with the Trust's involvement with the consortium bidding to take over the club?"

ROGER CONSTABLE, loyal fan for 50 years: "There has been discussion about the appointment and dismissal of Neville Southall. Unfortunately I only know what I read, but it seems that the Supporters Trust are in favour of his reappointment. Am I the only one who thinks that his appointment was wrong in the first place? Like the other disaster, Gary Bellamy, he had no idea about the Conference. I think we are lucky in having Clive Walker in the ranks. What is the Trust's view on the manager's situation and why is Nev being touted by Gordon Cowan as returning?"

SID PERKINS, of Whitfield Hill: "Has the Trust changed it's position regarding the return of Neville Southall to the club as manager and (or) does it now throw it's full support behind Clive Walker?"

ADRIAN FRIEND, of St Margaret's: "How can you justify withholding the £5,000 funds that you promised the club when they might not be able to play the four players on 52-week contracts during the summer? This money could be the difference between those players staying or not." This question was also asked by Mike Sole, of Sandwich.

STEVE ETHELBERT, of Folkestone: Why did the Trust not have a public debate in the media or a meeting before holding a ballot about whether to accept the club's "non-executive position on the board" offer? There's two sides to every coin and it would have been nice had the club's present board been able to present their case."

KEITH SANSUM: "Gordon Cowan has worked hard on your behalf. It appears the present board don't want him as part of any new set up. Will the Trust continue to support him as you have all worked very well together? Also does the Trust still support the results of its recent ballot?"

IAN HARRIS, of Snowdown: "How detailed are the business plans that have been presented to the shareholders and the present club board? Roger Knight says there are many flaws, but wouldn't go any further. Perhaps you can let us know what he means or if not give us your views of these plans. How do they benefit the club? And why have they been almost rejected by the Husks and the board?"

DEAN RICE, of Folkestone: "Can the Supporters Trust realistically be able to raise the funds needed to support a top Dr Martens League club - and, if we get there, a club challenging at the top of the Conference?"

ANDY WALLER, of Whitfield: "How will decisions be made by the Trust if it successfully takes over? Will there be an election every time something has to be done or will it be just one person making all the decisions?"

MARK DAVIES, of Deal: "The takeover package is being presented as a joint venture between the Trust and some local businessmen. Surely that's no different to the Trust working with the present board."

CLIVE WALKER is hoping to re-open talks with out-of-contract players as soon as this week.

The Dover boss, who has had to postpone his negotiations with the likes of Lee Shearer, Jake Leberl and Kevin Seabury because the club currently have no board, has been told things are beginning to move off the field.

Mick Kemp and his Supporters Trust-backed consortium have been holding talks with Whites' major shareholder John Husk and the club's creditors. They are hoping to finalise a deal by the end of the week.

Walker said: "I can't do anything yet. The players and I met Mick last week and everyone seemed reasonably happy. We just need all this cleared up, so everyone knows where they stand and can start building for next season."

The Dover boss said Leberl and Shearer are still Dover Athletic players and Seabury has already been offered terms for next season. However Walker cannot promise any of his out-of-contract stars will stay.

"I want to keep most of the players, but we are a relegated club and you lose players when this happens," said Walker. "No-one has signed Jake or Lee and Kevin is keeping his options open, which is fair enough. I've told him I'd love him to stay, so we'll just have to wait and see."

Tommy Tyne has another year to run on his contract and the Whites boss said the youngster, who was on-loan at Welling for much of last season, does have a place in his plans for next season.

CONSORTIUM leader Mick Kemp is meeting major club shareholder John Husk on Thursday and is hoping to finalise a rescue package with the ex-Whites chairman. Husk has to give his approval before the new consortium, including the Supporters Trust, can takeover the management of Dover Athletic. In the evening, he is meeting manager Clive Walker and the players to put everyone in the picture, but Kemp wants to quash some of the rumours doing the rounds, particularly in the press suggesting that the club could go into liquidation within days. Kemp told the Dover Athletic website:

"The chances of Dover going out of business is not on the cards as far as we are concerned. The suggestion that we can go into liquidation within days is not very helpful and just frightens everyone, although the club is massively more in debt than the outgoing board told us earlier."

The Supporters Trust have uncovered huge debts, which Kemp said are "far worse than we originally imagined". General manager Bill Williams told loyal supporters at Dover Town Hall a few months ago that the club were £120,000 in debt, a figure that "couldn't be further from the truth" according to one reliable source.

Kemp has effectively been managing the club himself the past week since the whole board's resignation. The Dover-based businessman, who runs a local plumbing and building company, admitted:

"Someone has to run the club, otherwise things will just get worse. So I've been spending a lot of time there this week and many meetings have been attended. We've made an offer to the club's creditors and I'm confident we can thrash something out. The trouble is, we've gone as far as we can now. It's all down to my meeting with John Husk. He, as majority shareholder, is effectively the owner of the club."

That means it is Husk's shout - but surely he will have no choice but to agree to allowing the new consortium to put their five-year business plan into action. Kemp told the local press that there would be a four-man board, with himself as chairman, and one member of the Supporters' Trust, their chairman Simon Harris. There would be a 12-strong support or non-executive board, again containing representatives of the Supporters' Trust. Kemp said:

"We have a five-year plan. We've worked hard on this and the first three years we'll concentrate on turning things around on the financial side and then we want to make ground improvements in the final two years of that plan. We just want to get in there and sort things out. It is an exciting challenge and everyone involved with this package are true Dover Athletic fans. We are 70 percent certain Dover Athletic will not only have a football club in three years, but we'll be back in the Conference too."

Meanwhile, the players are owed their final week's wages, but the club's bank account has been frozen. This is standard practice when a company's board resigns, as Jim Gleeson and his men did last week. Kemp had one message for the fans:

"Bear with us. We've had to do three weeks work in the space of seven days, as well as do our normal day jobs. Everything will become clear very soon.

DOVER ATHLETIC won't be ready for a Conference return for at least two years. That's the view of Mick Kemp, who is leading a joint consortium-Supporters Trust takeover bid for the club, said the five year plan his group have drawn up doesn't make provisions for Conference football returning to Crabble immediately.

He said: "Bouncing back straight away isn't something we're looking at. There's no point going back into the Conference with the debts we currently have. We need to have strong foundations and not make the same mistakes that have been made in the past.

"We've a five-year business plan and the aim is to get back to the Conference as soon as possible, but realistically that's probably going to be two or three years down the line, as it stands now.

"Rebuilding for the future is our aim and we're looking at strengthening all areas of the club. We just can't wait to get in there to sort Dover Athletic out."

Clive Walker has probably already lost Lee Shearer and Jake Leberl. The Whites boss admitted they were talking to Woking on Tuesday, but said he had no knowledge that they had actually signed on the dotted line yet.

Walker said: "They are two players I definitely didn't want to lose, but free agents can do as they please. We have eight out-of-contract players and the sooner the club is back under control the sooner I can sit down with my players to discuss next season."

Kemp confirmed the club has applied to join the Dr Martens League and are just waiting a response. But the club were extremely well liked in the Southern League (now sponsored by Dr Martens) and made many friends before being promoted to the Conference. "It's a formality, we'll be playing in the Dr Martens League next season," said Kemp.

CLIVE WALKER has admitted he is in limbo after the club's three-man board resigned earlier this week.

The Dover boss, anxious to know whether he is wanted as the manager next season by the consortium and Supporters Trust, fears he could lose up to eight players if he is not put in the picture quickly. Walker has eight players out of contract and he wants to ensure there is no mass exodus like last season. But he cannot offer contracts until he knows exactly where he and the club stand.

Walker said: "I hope they want me to still be the manager because I genuinely believe I can turn things around for the club. I'm not saying that winning the Dr Martens League is going to be easy, because it won't. But we already have the basis of a team that is more than capable of challenging for the title.

"I know the league well and it's basically a scaled down version of the Conference. There are some very good sides in there, but we've gone to some very difficult places in the Conference, so it won't be daunting for us. However I must find out what's happening very soon because otherwise we'll end up in the same situation as last year, losing everyone. I've spoken to the lads and will be speaking to them all again about next season, but until I know what the new board want I can't go offering new contracts to anyone.

"I would be grateful if someone from the consortium could give me a ring. No-one has yet, but I'm hopeful they will."

And so they should. Walker has been very loyal to the Whites and showed he is more than capable of steering the side. His results between Gary Bellamy's sacking and Neville Southall's appointment before Christmas, as well as after Southall's dismissal, were good - considering what was at his disposal. In fact, it's surprising no-one has been in contact with him yet.

Walker admitted: "I felt before Christmas we were heading in the right direction. And obviously, by the time Neville went, our good results at the end of the season were too late to save us. To be honest, we were never anything better than a lower mid-table Conference side, but I have a few players in mind who I want to bring in. They've all expressed an interest to join us, but again I need to know where we all stand."

The future of Dover Athletic Football Club is again in doubt following the resignation of the board of directors this week. Chairman Jim Pellett and directors Roger Knight and Jim Glesson have stepped down after failing to come to an agreement with principal shareholders John and Alan Husk. The Husks had offered to relinquish their shares if the board agreed to take on the bank guaratees in exchange. This offer was later withdrawn after the parties twice failed to reach agreement.

The departed board had been in control of the club for just seven weeks and were the third board of directors in the space of just six months.

The board upset some supporters with their decision to terminate the employment of former manager Neville Southall and failed to win over the full support of the club's fans, with former chairman Jim Gleeson in particular singled out for criticism from the terraces.

Gleeson and Roger Knight have invested large sums of money to keep the club afloat since they originally took over with John Spencer in November 2000. Knight told this week's Dover Express that he was "absolutely gutted". He said:

"In the end, we were left with no alternative but to resign as we were pumping money into the club without having any effective control."

In a statement announcing their resignation, the board restated their support for team manager Clive Walker and General Manager Bill Williams.

A consortium led by local businessman Micky Kemp and involving the Supporters Trust are interested in taking over the club, but as yet nothing has been resolved.

Meanwhile Margate are reportedly interested in ground-sharing with the Whites at Crabble next season whilst their Hartsdown Park ground is renovated. The Thanet club require a Conference graded ground for their fixtures and Dover is the only local option. No deal has been finalised yet and the proposal is likely to face opposition from both sets of supporters but could go some way to improving the financial position of the Dover Athletic.

CLIVE WALKER has compounded Dover fans' worst fears by admitting it is unlikely he will be able to keep Kevin Seabury and Leon Kelly at the club next season.

Facing Dr Martens League football next season, Dover now find themselves in a weaker bargaining position to attract top-quality players to Crabble. And midfielder Seabury and prolific striker Kelly, both signed by former boss Neville Southall, have shown that they are players who would easily slot into most Conference sides.

Walker wants to keep the duo, but warned fans: "I can't promise we can keep them."

The Whites boss said: "I'd love to have them here next season. If I was building a side to compete at the top of the Conference, they'd both be in my plans. They would still be in my plans if they wanted to stay. But now we can only offer them Dr Martens football and they both live a fair distance away from the club."

Margate are favourites to poach versatile Jake Leberl, although Walker will be moving heaven and earth to keep him, and others are sure to be offered deals at Margate or, if they are promoted to the Conference, Gravesend.

It is a nightmare scenario that now faces Dover, having to adapt to their new position not only outside non-league's elite, but outside the cream of Kent.

Walker said: "I want to keep most of the lads here. We have a half decent side, but you can never tell what might happen. I'm going to speak to all the players next week after the Yeovil game is out of the way. Hopefully I'll have everything sorted by the middle of June when I go out to America."

The Dover manager is coaching in the States and will be away from home shores for a month on June 20. He intends to have finalised contract renewals and player releases before his trip. However he admitted Bill Williams will tie up any loose ends while he is away.

He said: "I hope most things will be sorted before I go and Bill's around to pick up any pieces. It's only four weeks and I'm back for the pre-season games."

SUPPORTERS TRUST chairman Simon Harris is the latest leading club figure to be put in the hotseat to answer your questions. All fans are invited to post a question to Simon regarding the Trust at justin.allen@dailystar.co.uk by next Thursday lunchtime (April 25) and his answers will appear on this website at some stage the following week.

Simply include your full name, address and age and your question will be answered by Simon. Please try to keep your question as brief as possible.

DOVER ATHLETIC this week announced there will be no drastic cost-cutting measures despite relegation.

Board director Roger Knight, confident the fantastic Dover supporters will stick with them next season, confirmed the club are aiming to bounce straight back. He said:

"No drastic cuts are planned, just to keep to the budgets already set. I would expect that the club's loyal supporters will always support their team and in which ever league they find themselves."

A board meeting is being held this week to discuss further the implications of relegation, although the Whites director said this was scheduled before Saturday's defeat at Chester anyway.

"We have been working on next season for a number of weeks, regardless of which league we would be playing in," he added.

"Obviously we are disappointed, and believe Dover Athletic are a Conference club, but we must recognise this as an opportunity to re-group and build for the future. We want to return to the Conference as a better club both on and off the pitch."

Meanwhile, the board have moved forward "quite considerably" in their negotiations with the Supporters Trust, the new consortium and others.

As for Leon Kelly, Knight hinted the board will not stand in manager Clive Walker's way in attempting to secure his signature for next season. Kelly, who is on-loan at Crabble, was released by Cambridge United this week. He said:

"Leon is among Clive's playing staff and it is Clive's decision whether he will be part of next season's plans. Clive will handle all playing staff early stage negotiations."

Dover midfielder Jimmy Strouts who is nearing 250 games for the club is deservedly celebrating his testimonial year with a Dinner and Dance at the Town Hall on April 20th when popular Kent funnyman Dave Lee provides the entertainment. While two days later former Whites Boss Peter Taylor brings his all conquering Brighton side to Crabble to honour a man who would seemingly run through brick walls for the cause. Dover Express Sportswriter Matt Gerrard met the former Royal Corps soldier and finds that he is a man you would like to have on your side if you were in the trenches.

"I have to say I have loved every minute of my time at Dover, it is such a great family club and though we have had some highs and lows over that time, I honestly would not change a single minute of it".

31-year-old Strouts followed his Sittingbourne Manager John Ryan (one of seven he has played under for Dover!) to Crabble in April 1995, but this was not the first time he had played at such a high level he explained - "I joined the army at 16 and was always playing football and represented the Combined Services at all levels and was fortunate to play in far flung places such as Thailand and Hong Kong. We were really successful and the team which included Fulham keeper Maik Taylor won the Kentish Cup twice. This is the oldest International football competition in the world where we were pitted against the forces of Belgium and Holland and it was a brilliant experience and I have some great memories from that".

He soon became a key figure in the side thanks to his tough tackling displays and helped Dover to a miraculous escape on the last day of the season, which was rewarded with the Captains armband for the following season, something that he still treasures.

"I came in not knowing anybody but I felt I earned the respect of the lads immediately and when I was handed the armband I have never been so proud and it helped my game no end".

The arrival of Peter Taylor saw him became an even firmer favourite with the River End faithful and Taylor was easily persuaded to pay £300 to buy him out of the Army.

"I loved it in the army but I was playing so many games maybe four or five a week plus my Dover commitments and it was hard work. I had decided to go back to University to get a degree and everything worked out brilliantly and I will always be grateful for the club to agree to pay the money and the next two seasons I probably played my best football for the club."

Seasons 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 were his most prolific as he scored 13 goals in successive seasons to become the clubs top scorer - a fine achievement for a box-to-box midfielder - and in December 1997 he wrote himself into Dover's and the Conference record books when he became the first midfielder to score four goals in one game, all from open play, though modestly he states that it was team-mates who helped him so much.

"When you have players such as Dave Leworthy who must have set me up so many times and class midfielders such as Russell Milton, who could put the ball on a sixpence I think anybody could have scored, but those four goals were something else and that still is the only game I have ever scored a hat-trick in. That was probably my biggest high on the pitch but there have been some real lows especially the Trophy Semi-Final against Cheltenham when the referee robbed us. I have a reputation as a man who gets in trouble with the officials but I am not a dirty player, I am just committed to the cause and I think every Dover fan knows that".

Money difficulties saw Conference giants Stevenage persuade Dover to sell their most marketable asset for £15,000 in January 1999 and though it started well it soon went down hill.

"I did not want to go but the club needed the money and when that happens you have no choice but they made a nice profit on me. It turned into a nightmare as I was always on the bench, then the manager got sacked and the chairman seemed to take a real dislike to me. They are run differently to Dover, not as tight knit and when Bill said he wanted me back, I would have walked to Dover I was that pleased as Dover are my team."

So it turned full circle for the Civil Servant and though, not for the lack of trying, he has not been as prolific in front of goal as his first spell, he still pops up with the occasional important one, the commitment and the will to win seems to grow bigger and bigger for a man who thinks he has at least five years left at this level.

"I am happy to stay at Dover for as long they want me whatever league they are in. We have had our problems this season but the players here want to succeed and it would be great to reward the fans who have been brilliant despite all the difficulties".

He has also other ambitions that he would like to achieve - "Like everybody connected to the club a First Round FA Cup tie would be great and then a trip to Arsenal in the Third Round would be nice but all I am really concerned with is playing football and staying fit as it means so much to me".

An excellent evening of entertainment should be had at the Town Hall with comedians, magicians and an auction of a number of signed Permiership shirts amongst things planned. Tickets are still available priced at £30, by contacting Rachel@4goalhero.co.uk or June on 01227 731809. While on the Monday a host of Crabble heroes past and present plus Fulham stars Maik Taylor and Barry Hayles acknowledge a man who cares so much for the club that he has dedicated 5% of the proceeds from his two evenings to the newly formed Supporters Trust - "Dover is my team and I want them to succeed on and off the pitch as I am as much a fan as everybody who stands on the Terraces".

With his commitment and drive it is probably fit to say that if Dover had 11 Jimmy Strouts in the side they would not be in the position they are now but as the River End sing, there is only one Jimmy Strouts and they are just pleased that he is on their side and I for one second that. Have a great evening Jimmy - you deserve it!!

CLIVE WALKER is done to the bare bones for this weekend's lose-and-you-die match at Chester.

Whites could be relegated if they don't collect maximum points and results elsewhere go against them. And Walker, whose men are unbeaten in the last four matches, admits he will be taking a extremely patched-up side to Chester. He told the Dover Mercury: "We're down to the bare bones now, but I have got no other choice but just to get on with it."

Tony Browne (ankle) and Neil Le Bihan (back) both missed Monday's 2-2 draw with Woking, while Jamie Day is suspended for the Chester game and Darren Davies is out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage. Keith Scott, who finished his four-month goal drought against Woking, is also doubtful for Saturday because of a knee injury and Jimmy Aggrey has left the club.

But at least Tommy Tyne's loan spell with Welling finishes this weekend and he will be available for Dover's last two games against Morecambe and Yeovil.

Walker said: "I hope that Tony Browne will be fit for Saturday, but Neil Le Bihan is 50-50."

WITHOUT PREJUDICE WHITES director Roger Knight has been this week taking time out to answer your questions via this website. He was impressed by the questions received and, as you can see, he hasn't pulled any punches.

JONATHAN BISHOP, age 18, is one of many fans outraged by Neville Southall's sacking. So he asks the question that many more have submitted for you: Why was he REALLY sacked?

Jonathan also asks: "Now that a new board has been formed, does that mean that the club is financially secure for the foreseeable future and will this mean that the club finally has some organisational stability?"

JAMES COTTON: Was the manager's position given to Neville Southall to raise the profile of Dover Athletic, so higher class players might be attracted to the area? Even though Neville had coaching experience before, wouldn't it have been preferable, considering Dover's league position, to have appointed a manager with more past experience?"

MARTIN LEIGH: When Jim Gleeson took over as chairman we were told good things were on their way for the club, including promotion to the Football League within a few years. Now look at us. What are the current ambitions of the Dover directors, remembering we live in the REAL world? And do the directors have the ability and the willingness to bring these goals to fruition?

SID PERKINS, age 51: I'd be interested to know more about the new directors. Can you give some background information on them? I'm also keen to hear what the hopes and aspirations for DAFC are?

NIGEL MOSELING: In view of the bad press coverage the club has had following the departure of Neville Southall, what plans have the new board got in order to turn the situation around? And will anyone be replacing Nev in doing the back-to-basics legwork of touting for business within a 20-mile radius of Dover with visits to local firms, schools etc? How much does the new board feel that the club's reputation has been tarnished by the recent goings on?

ANDY VARLEY, 31, who lives in Canterbury: I have recently moved back to the area from London and have been a Crabble regular for some time, even when living outside of Kent. I know more people who go to Crabble who travel from outside Dover than residents of the town. Given the potential catchment area, how is the club going to get local people through the gates and remove the apathy from residents of the town about the club?

JOHN ANDERSON, of Temple Ewell: How would I go about buying shares in DAFC? The problem is that DAFC is a private limited company, which means that shares (and the accounts) can be hidden away all over the place. As I understand it, the existing shareholders don't have to sell any shares they don't want to people they don't want involved.

STEVE ETHELBERT, a Whites fan from Folkestone: Is there a possibility Neville Southall will return to the club? And if there is any truth in the suggestion that Nev was banned for the home game against Hereford, days after his dismissal, why?

IAN SMITH travels thousands of miles throughout the season from his home in Harrogate to follow Dover. His questions are: Did the board not recognise the commercial gains that Nev was bringing to the club? Gates were 200-300 up on the Bellamy era with the club rooted to the foot of the table. A change of manager was not going to keep Dover up so late in the season, so why did they not wait until at least the summer or the start of next year?

Ian would also like to ask: The fans are suspicious of Jim Gleeson, in view of his resignation last November, which left the club facing receivership, and the immediate dismissal of Neville, once resuming control. Have you any message that might placate our fears?

Sutton-based Dover fan MARTIN SHAW, 62, asks: What is the board's plan for the future in regaining Conference status and how many seasons do they envisage this taking? This will need massive investment so how are the board going to confront this problem when they haven't got the money themselves?

Martin also wishes to ask: How does the board see the role of the Supporters Trust in helping to run the club and what is the maximum say that they will ever be allowed?

JOHN HOLLAND, 50, of Cranleigh Drive, Whitfield: When you and Jim took over the running of the club, some rash statements were made regarding us aiming to be a full-time club which amounted to an exodus of players and the arrival of Gary Bellamy, who was untried at Conference level. Do you now feel, with hindsight, a gentle approach would have been more appropriate, which would have carried the fans with you?

DAVE SHIRLEY, who is the cameraman for Dover Athletic match videos, lives in Hastings. He asks: While I still live in the belief that somehow, we'll stay up, I have to remain realistic and I can't see it happening. In all strategies there must be some kind of contingency plan - in our case for being relegated. I would like to know what the plans are for next season for a possible quick return to the Conference. I'm fearful that we would be dragged into a hole that both Welling and Hednesford have found themselves in. Kettering on the other hand have clearly done something correct in their first season in the lower flight and their crowds are hitting nearly the 2,000 mark. Is there anything we can learn from those teams?

HARRY REID, of Lyndhurst Road, Dover: A few seasons ago Mr Parmeter left the board after being refused the chairman's job when he wanted to put more money into the club. If the club has been struggling financially for several seasons, do you know why at that time Mr Parmeter's offer was refused, when just a year and a bit later the chairmanship is handed over to Mr Gleeson? (This is not a knock at Mr Gleeson).

Also Mr Parmeter said at that time he didn't like the direction the club was going and that they were going to struggle and go nowhere unless there was a major change of direction. Why were changes not made THEN to avoid the financial situation we are in now?

DOVER-born and bred Keith Sansum, age 21: Is there any truth in the rumour that Keith Scott has been offered to Farnborough and are all the players available for transfer?

ROD PEPPER has supported the club longer than he cares to remember and lives in Southampton: Will someone take responsibility for the unprofessional sacking of Neville Southall? Also where does Roger see the club in three years?

STEVEN KING, age 14, of Whitfield: Whatever happens this season, will Clive be in charge of the first team next year? If we do go down will the board keep faith with Clive or will he be sacked for poor results?

14-year-old GEORGE POOLE asks: Do you think the supporters are right by protesting about Neville Southall's dismissal?

SANDWICH-based Luke Dilnot-Smith, 21: Is there one moment or decision this board feels they truly regret and now wish they had come to a different decision, for example giving the job to Mr Bellamy?

PHIL TEALE, who lives in Washington DC, USA: I used to Live in Dover and was originally raised in Deal. I have been living in the USA for a few years now and regularly keep track of DAFC and sport in general. Why doesn't the club try to raise funds through a fans' stock purchase scheme? This would raise the sufficient funds to invest back into the team. It would also give those fans that have been supporters over the many years a chance to own part of the club. To me it seems that this is the only way that Dover will survive. I am one of those fans that would be willing to invest substantial money into this club to help save it. However I would be unwilling to unless the club can set a four-five year plan and stick to it. I don't see any options left for this club, it needs a new direction, needs to be brought up to a modern business approach. You can no longer operate a business based upon the way things used to be done. DAFC needs to pioneer a new business approach to football in the lower divisions, and although it is a a sport its also a business and one that needs to be profitable.

Dover Athletic today announced that manager Clive Walker had signed an upgrade to his present agreement until the end of season 2002/2003.

The new job title of Team Manager has brought many new responsibilities for Walker, on top of his usual coaching duties.

Commenting on the new position Walker said, "I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to be Team Manager. I have great affection for Dover Athletic and I will do all in my power to keep us in the Conference."

Chairman Jim Pellat went on record saying "There's not a more capable person than Clive to get this team back on track and bring stability to the club."

Last week a statement was issued from the Club, which suggested that two additional directors had been added to the main board of directors.

This was not the intention, and the club would like to confirm that the main Board of Directors is as follows:

Jim Pellatt	Chairman/Company Secretary
Jim Gleeson	Vice-Chairman
Roger Knight

No other person has agreed to join the main Board of Directors at this time and the Club apologise for any confusion or embarrassment caused to any individuals or supporters.

Dover Athletic today announced that winger Chris Allen had left the club by mutual consent.

Allen's agreement with the Club was cancelled in time for him to join Ryman League outfit Aldershot Town, before today's deadline.

IT HAS been reported that Gordon Cowan and the Supporters Trust met with Dover Athletic officials this week with a plan to takeover the club. Justin Allen caught up with Cowan and asked him for the full lowdown on his plans.

GORDON COWAN is bidding to bring stability back to Dover Athletic, give supporters the chance to run the club - and bring back Neville Southall. The ex-Whites chairman, and a former member of the so-called Famous Five running the club, and three local businessmen, including Mick Kemp, are linking up with the Supporters' Trust in a takeover bid. A meeting has already been held with major shareholders John and Alan Husk and discussions also took place yesterday with present club board members Jim Pellatt (chairman) and Roger Knight. Jim Gleeson was abroad and unable to attend. Cowan and his group have drawn up a one-year business plan. This has been shown to the Husk brothers and is now being looked at by the present board. But Cowan's plan is for the supporters to have a major say in the future of the club and give the Trust a seat on the board. He said:

"The Supporters Trust has been offered a non-executive position on the board, but that is not worth much in my opinion. The aim of the Trust is to have a say in how the club is run and to own shares, so we have a plan to get hold of these shares for the supporters.

"Myself, Mick and two other people, who I don't want to mention at this moment in time, are willing to become the club's guarantors. This is one of the conditions the Husks have laid down before they're willing to relinquish their shares. The Trust don't have the clout to do that outright without help and we're willing to provide it.

"The Trust has established itself as a real force at the club. It now has a good financial status and, importantly, is reliable. Whoever is chairman or manager of the club, the Trust will always be here because it consists of loyal ardent fans."

Cowan added: "It's well known by everyone that Jim Gleeson has bankrolled the club. But what happens if he decides to stop that - which he has done a couple of times already this season? The structure of the club is fragile and we can't just rely on one individual."

Whites have had a staggering three chairmen this season. First Gleeson, followed by Cowan and now Pellatt. This has been matched by three managers in Gary Bellamy, Neville Southall and Clive Walker. Walker was last week handed a contract until the end of next season after taking over from the sacked Southall. But Cowan said if his group and the Trust takeover the club, he has not ruled out bringing the ex-Wales and Everton legend back to Crabble. He said:

"I've an arrangement with Nev that he might still have a future at the club. Clive Walker is definitely in our plans too. I think Clive's doing a great job, he's a first-class coach and well-respected in the game, but these recent results are not just down to him.

"Neville Southall brought some quality players to Crabble, particularly Leon Kelly, Kristian James and Kevin Seabury. The team were settling down towards the end of Nev's time as manager. His last two matches were a win against Farnborough and a very unfortunate 4-2 away defeat at Boston, who are top of the league. The team were already beginning to turn the corner and it's great to see them pick up seven points from the last nine available. Let's hope they can continue this form to keep the club in the Conference.

"However, Nev not only can bring more quality players to the club, he can also attract and raise funds. He did an excellent job raising funds in his brief time at the club, as well as signing some decent players. But the bottom line is we want to bring stability back to the club. Dover Athletic can't just continue relying on one man bankrolling it. We've already seen what can happen when this person decides to change his mind. How many more times can we have people changing their minds from one week to the next?"

His stablemate Kemp runs a plumbing shop in the town and is the brother of ex-Whites star Peter Kemp. The group are hoping to reach an agreement with the club by the end of the season. It was the Husks' recommendation, added Cowan, that they discuss their plans with the club's board and come to an amicable agreement.

Although I don't normally look forward to the end of the football season, I suspect I'm not alone in thinking that the end of this one can't come quickly enough. For one thing, the summer months will give me more time to devote to The Striker. Although I say so myself, things have been going wonderfully well. The Black Prince and I have set ourselves a target that we'll get the Striker back to its zenith of 6,000 members a week and there's absolutely no reason why this target cannot be achieved.

What we've been doing is to work in conjunction with the club, most notably Bill Williams and Judy his assistant, exchanging ideas and putting them into practice. In short, we're adding a little local knowledge and using some shoe leather to help the club bring things up to speed. Here are just a few of the things that have happened during the last fortnight.

1. Our intrepid canvassers, Darren & Ray, went out for the first time during one evening this week and signed up 48 new members. And whilst this may not sound like a remarkable achievement, these new customers come solely from just two streets - Heathfield and Mayfield Avenue. These contributors alone will add £2,496 a year to the club's coffers which indicates the potentially huge market that's out there just waiting to be tapped.

2. As we indicated in our last update, two exiled Whites have decided to take matters into their own hands. Nick Carr (who I grew up with in Pioneer Road) has started a round at Basilica Computing in Stevenage, whilst Phil Dodd (whose parents still live at Aycliffe) has started another from his pub, The Unicorn in Plymouth. Both made their first payments this week and have collectively added 36 members. In purely mercenary terms, that's £1,872 a year.

3. Of course, established agents will sometimes have to pack in their rounds for one reason or another. Moving away, change of job, etc. Slowly but surely, we're putting a database together that will enable us to identify other agents who will take on additional customers. By the same token, The Supporters Trust can also put us in touch with its members who might be prepared to take on an established round. Agents resigning has proved a real problem in the past, but this is something we're rapidly beginning to address to ensure that good money doesn't just slip through the club's fingers.

4. As an incentive to both existing and potential agents, the club have agreed to increase commissions. Since Striker's inception, agents have been paid a flat fee of 10p for every £1 collected. Although this remains unchanged for the first 50 customers, it increases to 15p beyond 51 members and up to 20p beyond 100 members.

Example:

An agent with 120 members would previously have been paid a commission of £12.00. Under the new system, that same agent will receive a commission of £16.50.

As an added incentive to agents, the club have agreed to pay £1.00 for every new customer they sign up!!!

5. The mutual benefits of local publicans acting as agents for The Striker seem fairly obvious. Viz. "Here's my £1 for the Striker, Fred, and I may as well have 14 pints while I'm here." Purely as one example, I know that Alan and Sandy at The Bull have been successfully operating as agents for some time . We're hoping other pubs might follow their example. Seamus at The Three Cups, for example, has a number of Whites fans amongst his customers and has accordingly registered as a new agent.

6. Although I should stress that this is an idea that is still being developed, Bill Williams has indicated that local football clubs, who provide Striker members in sufficient numbers, could receive a free new kit at the end of the season. This is just one particularly exciting idea that we'll hope to expand upon over the next few weeks.

My role in all this? Simply giving up an hour or two at the end of the week and helping with the administration whilst the kids are watching brain-dead T.V. It really isn't a hardship.

In conclusion, if you've a quid to spare, an hour to spare or a good idea, I'd love to hear from you.

Mark.

markwinter@freeuk.com (Home telephone number available on request).

CLIVE WALKER has revealed spirits are high in the Dover dressing room - despite relegation now looking certain. But the Whites boss admitted this is the worst-ever season he has experienced in his long football career.

Walker, "happy" with his team's performance in the goalless draw with Margate on Monday night, said: "Morale is good, considering all the problems we've had this season, and our aim is now to get as many points on the board as possible. There's no point giving up when there's still 18 points up for grabs, that would be stupid.

"It has, without doubt, been the worst season I can ever remember in my time in football. I've never known anything like it. Three managers and three chairmen in one season, that takes some beating.

"The situation I've taken over is not ideal at all. That's probably stating the obvious. But we have to give it our all and boost our points tally as best we can. To be honest, we can't afford to lose another match."

The 0-0 stalemate on Monday night against Chris Kinnear's men was probably a fair outcome, although Dover just about shaded it. The team now in place at Crabble is one that, had it started the season, would have been a good bet for a strong mid-table place, but Walker admits too much damage was done early on in the season. He said:

"We've basically given the other clubs in the Conference a ten-match headstart and you simply can't afford to do that in this league. The constant changes to management and directors have obviously not helped the situation, but that's all in the past now and we can only look forward.

"My aim is to stabilise the team. Most of our players are contracted for next season, although I've got to sit down with a few who will be free to go under a Bosman in the summer. Ideally I'd like to keep most of the team together, because, with confidence, we can do well.

"Obviously we can't decide on next season until we know what division we will be playing in. If we get relegated, the aim has to be to bounce straight back up and this team is capable, with some confidence, of doing that."

Walker, now aged 56, has committed himself to the cause, come what may, next season. He has thoroughly enjoyed his five years at the club and wants to stick around for some time yet. He said:

"I was managing in the Football League 20 years ago at Northampton and enjoyed it. I've been around the block a few times and am happy to manage Dover."

Whites have a break from action on Saturday and then travel to Stevenage on Easter Bank Holiday Monday. "Another easy game," quipped the Whites boss.

Dover Midfielder Jimmy Strouts has confirmed that Brighton & Hove Albion will provide the opposition for his much deserved testimonial on Monday 22nd April. Former Whites boss Peter Taylor has stated that he will send down his strongest possible line-up, which is likely to include £5 million rated Bobby Zamora, to Crabble to acknowledge fans favourite Strouts who has played 245 games and scored 40 goals in his two spells with the club.

As well as the match there is a dinner on Saturday 20th April. The cost is £30 which includes a 5 course meal, a magician coming round the tables, auction of Premiership shirts, comedian Dave Lee and music.

Jimmy will be donating 5% of the proceeds from his testimonial to the Dover Athletic Supporters Trust.

More details are available at Jimmy's testimonial page at www.4goalhero.co.uk.

DOVER ATHLETIC board member Roger Knight is happy to answer fans' questions via this website.

Knight, who sits on the three-man board with Jim Gleeson and chairman Jim Pellatt , is eager to build good relations with fans.

Simply e-mail all your questions to Justin Allen at justin.allen@dailystar.co.uk by the Monday lunchtime and Roger's answers will appear as soon as possible on this website.

If this Q&A column is successful, Jim Gleeson and Jim Pellatt may be happy to answer questions on this site too.

Please ensure you include your full name, age and address with your question.

STRIKER now has members in Plymouth, Stevenage and Vancouver!

Entering the weekly prize draw is one of the best ways to support the club as well as give yourself a good chance of winning some cash.

At just £1 a ticket, the chances of winning the successful Dover Athletic Striker draw are far greater than winning the National Lottery or its scratchcard.

At the moment, the club urgently need agents in the following areas: Elvington, Eythorne, Maxton, Alkham Valley, St. Margarets, Hawkinge. But the club are happy to recruit in other areas too, so anyone interested in either becoming an agent or having a weekly flutter should contact the club on 01304-822373 or e-mail markwinter@freeuk.com leaving a contact number.

Help save DAFC - support the Striker.

THIS WEEK'S LUCKY WINNERS

STRIKER (Week 34): £1000 A. Spratt, Dover. £500 R. Wilkinson, Dover. £50 A. Dyer, Dover. J. Cattermole, Dover. £25 M. Scrivens, Dover. V. Habbershaw, Dover. Heasman, Folkestone; R. Constable, New Romney; £20 A Meadows, Dover; D Frances, Belvedere; S. Creasey, Deal; A. Huntley, Dover; L Phillips, Dover; L. Whittiker, Dover; Mrs. Poole, Whitfield; Mrs. Hazelden, Dover. £10 D. Sayer c/o DAFC; S. Busby, Dover; S. Barrington, Dover; D. Richards, Eastry; J. Young, Capel; A. Drew, Deal; Mrs. Davies, Dover; D. Humphries, Deal; B. Stevenson, Dover; M. Mortley, River; B. Daily, Dover.

DOVER ATHLETIC have parted company with manager Neville Southall. Assistant manager Clive Walker, who was caretaker manager before Southall's appointment in December, has been named as new first team manager.

In a statement, the club announced: "It is with regret that the board has to announce the departure of Neville Southall as team manager. This decision was not taken lightly but it was felt that in the best interests of the club, given the continued poor results and position the club currently finds itself in, there was no other option."

But director Roger Knight added: "There were other reasons for the dismissal, but I don't think it's right to go into all of them. We did feel that the club had not moved on since his appointment as manager."

The club, who decided on the sacking after forming a new board consisting of Jim Pellatt (chairman), Jim Gleeson and Roger Knight, this afternoon appointed assistant-boss Clive Walker as the new first team manager. A further statement read: "Dover Athletic are pleased to announce the appointment of Clive Walker as manager with immediate effect. Clive is a fully qualified UEFA A license coach and runs a summer coaching academy in America. He has previously been manager at Northampton Town and Kettering."

Walker, who has been with the Whites for five years serving Bill Williams, Gary Bellamy and Southall as their No.2, was in charge as caretaker boss in November and December last year. His first brief is to restore battered morale, caused by Big Nev's departure, and keep the club in the Conference. The behind-the-scenes activities of last night amount to a "cabinet reshuffle". Williams and ex-chairman Gordon Cowan agreed to relinquish their positions as directors, but have been invited to be part of a newly formed non-executive support board. This board will also include all those who have supported the club in the recent financial rescue package and the Supporters Trust have been invited to join. In the same statement announcing Southall's dismissal, the club said: "A new board of directors has been formed. This action has been taken with the full support and backing of the major shareholders. After long and hard negotiations with various interested parties had failed, it was decided that immediate action had to be taken to secure the future of DAFC. We are pleased to announce that the new board are: Chairman: Jim Pellatt; Directors: Jim Gleeson, Roger Knight. The board is currently organising and restructuring the club; this will enable the fulfilment of the remaining season's fixtures, and ensure football at Crabble next season."

A special meeting of the club's directors, shareholders and other leading Dover Athletic lights will be held at the club tomorrow night to discuss the future - but Knight, who is taking on responsibility for dealing with the media, said the club has been saved until the end of the season at least. But he added: "It's only thanks to the money we got in the aftermath of announcing how close we were from going into administration. We really were in deep trouble, but now we will be able to survive until the end of the season. But it's only a drop in the ocean of how much debt we're still in. There's a lot of hard work still needed to safeguard Dover Athletic's future."

NEVILLE SOUTHALL departed as Dover Athletic manager with a bitter taste in his mouth last night. The Everton goalkeeping legend, who only took charge of Whites in December, insisted he was forced out by general manager Bill Williams. That claim was staunchly denied by Williams, but Southall, who lost eight of his ten competetive matches in charge, had no doubts why he was sacked. He said:

"It's not football reasons. Everyone knows the team was improving and that we still had a chance of staying up. But I said a few things in the press, which were basically home truths and some people didn't like it.

"I make no apologies for being honest. That's the way I've always been. I wanted to force the issue at the club, otherwise we would've just remained standing still. I am very disappointed by the whole thing.

"Bill Williams has stood in my way since day one of my appointment. He told me to cut my wage bill by £1,000 a week, days after saying I could bring players in, and also tried to tell me which people to play in the team. He has always told people he doesn't want to be the manager of the side, but secretly I think he does.

"I only found out about my sacking when I got a phone call from a Press Association reporter in London. He told me I'd been sacked, but I knew nothing about it. I rang the club and Jim Gleeson asked me to leave by resigning, but I declined because I had done nothing wrong. So he said I was sacked.

"I had brought in money for the club and believe we could've raised around £100,000 next season from some big friendlies and other commercial ventures I was planning, that's before even getting money from a new sponsor. Also I felt we were building a good spirit in the dressing room. I still want to be the Dover manager and if I had the chance I would come back. But all the time Bill's there, I've no chance and don't believe the club can move forward too.

"I blame Bill Williams. I was forced out, just like Gary Bellamy was. He blamed Bill when he was sacked."

Williams, speaking from his Maidstone home, commented:

"I'm receiving unfair flak at the moment and am sorry Neville feels the way he does. I don't want to make too much of a comment now. I'll wait until all the dust has settled before saying anything further, because what happened yesterday was not nice for anyone."

Club skipper Keith Scott said he was shocked by the decision and told the Dover Mercury:

"All the players liked and respected Neville. He had brought a certain level of professionalism to the club."

Supporters Club chairman Simon Harris, a leading force behind the Supporters Trust, told BBC Radio Kent:

"Realistically I don't think this is a good time in the season to sack a manager. Whether Neville was doing a good job or not it smacks of defeatism."

Harris did not feel that the recent efforts of the team were represented in the decision: "You have to say that watching the team in the last few games they have been playing very well. There has been a distinct commitment shown by the side."

THINK of Jimmy Strouts' last minute winner against Farnborough. Think of that epic penalty shootout win in front of 4,500 Barrow fans. Think of Barry Little, Patch Macdonald and Jason Bartlett and all those others who suffered serious physical harm playing for us.

Think of a thousand Dover fans seeing us fight back from 2-0 down at Dartford in the Southern league. Think of the sheer joy of stuffing Rushden 4-1. Think of that unforgettable 3-2 win over Boston in September.

Think of over 4,000 (officially) stuffed into Crabble in '92 against Bromsgrove. Think of beating Gillingham in the Kent Senior Cup. Think of the heroic fightback and the tears we shed after the Trophy semi-final against Cheltenham. Think of the robbery in the first leg and how we should have got to Wembley.

Think of how we bounced back from being banned from the Conference in 1990. Think of the fine ground we have that's cost over half-a-million pounds to build. Think of winning trophy after trophy in the Beazer. Think of 1,200 Dover fans taking over the Rainham End when we beat Gravesend at Gillingham in '91. Think of all those Dover England semi-pro players. Think of Leworthy, Jackson, Wormull, Reina, the Dixons.

Think of our midfield in late 99, think of all those SUCCESSFUL fights against relegation. Think of beating Kidderminster in 94 to stay up, think of our lucky let off under Taylor.

Think of the money that's been spent and the blood, sweat and tears spilt to keep this club where it is. Think of singing your hearts out at Gravesend. Think of the sheer romantic madness of a midweek trip to Merthyr in a monsoon.

Think of Jimmy Strouts' commitment. Think of Bill Williams' "Dogs of War" rhetoric and fighting spirit. Think of our back five under Kinnear.

Think of what we could still achieve in the future. Think of that golden dream of the FA Cup first round - one day.

Think of byes to the FA Cup 4th Qualifying round, and the third round of the Trophy. Think of our national profile. Think of what we stand to lose if this club went under or was relegated.

We must save the club, and we will.

Firstly, thanks to everyone who responded to our last posting. I'll be in touch with everyone who sent e-mails during the course of the next few days. Whites fans will, I'm sure, be thrilled to hear that we now have an agent keen to operate in Stevenage.

The main news this week is that Bill Williams has agreed to increase commission as an incentive to Striker agents. At the moment, agents are paid a flat fee of 10p for every £1 they collect. In future, commissions will be paid on the following scale:

For example an agent with 110 customers currently receives £11.00 commission. Under the new scheme that same agent would receive £14.50.

Canvassing

The second piece of information this week is that we will shortly be canvassing in the Barton Road area of the Town. Conversations lead us to believe that there are a number of potential new customers in this area, so we'll be burning a little shoe leather to find out. Striker canvassers will, of course, carry a valid ID card to show they are working on behalf of the club.

Mark Winter
E-Mail: markwinter@freeuk.com

BILL WILLIAMS has revealed that things are looking a lot better than they were this time last week.

The Dover general manager revealed the full seriousness of the club's financial problems to fans, who were left in stunned silence, at last Thursday's Supporters Club Trust launch at the Town Hall.

But, speaking in this Thursday's Dover Mercury, Williams said: "Things are looking slightly better now than they were this time last week, and we are working hard to put a rescue package together."

He had earlier revealed how the club must find £15,000 in days or face a winding up order. "Dover Athletic are in serious trouble and need £15,000 in 10-12 days, and a £30,000 commitment from now until the end of the season," he told supporters. "So if there are people out there who can provide the cash, we need them to come forward now, otherwise the club will fold."

Williams added: "We've been living beyond our means for several years now. We're currently losing £2,000 a week and have debts of £120,000. The Inland Revenue and the VAT people are among our creditors and we need £15,000 as quickly as possible, otherwise the club could be wound up."

Sadly, I was not at Crabble on Saturday to witness what sounded like a thrilling last minute victory, and what conceivably could be one of Dover's last. In the interests of preserving domestic harmony I decided to have a Saturday off this week, forsaking the 600 mile round trip, knowing that the weeks ahead would be occupied with supporting the lads in their Herculean relegation fight.

Given the present scare stories about the club's financial state and the possibilities of them closing in 2 weeks I am beginning to think that my absence was ill timed.

It is easy to treat such panic stories with cynicism and disbelief. After all wasn't the club in such dire financial straits last November and is still here now? Aren't they calling our bluff again?

Sadly, I think not. I really do believe that the Margate new year's day postponement, the failure to find an agreeable compromise amongst the shareholders, and sheer bad luck on the field, (leading to fewer points on the board and fewer punters through the turnstiles), really have combined to put the club in this position. The club really could fold for the lack of £15,000 now and £15,000 before the end of the season. Peanuts to the likes of Beckham and Keane, but a small fortune to a club in our position.

It's time for all fans to dig deep in this hour of need. I have just sent the club a donation representing the savings in travel costs to Saturday's game, plus others that I have missed this season, and have asked them to double my striker contribution. OK, so its not going to save them on its own and I have some spare income and can afford it. However, if you have any feeling at all for Dover Athletic you might consider the following. To paraphrase a famous saying 'Its not what your club can do for you it is what you can do for your club'!

1. If you're a season ticket holder - paying at the turnstile for the Woking and possibly the other home fixtures? If not then paying a double entrance admission or bringing a friend.


2. If you cannot make the match then send them the admission fee that you would have spent had you been able to go. If you cannot make an away match send them the saving in petrol!


3. If you are lucky enough to win Striker - donate half the winnings back to the club.


4. If you contribute to Striker - double your subscription.


5. If you're an exiled fan, like me, send the club the notional admission fee for the remaining home fixtures.


6. Simply send the club a small donation - as much as you can afford.

Multiply these measures by 1,000 then who knows we might just raise enough to fend off the grim reaper (aka the liquidator).

I would be gutted if the club went out of business, particularly for such a relatively small sum. I know there would be a lot more feeling worse than me. Act now before its too late!

WHITES fan and Dover Express writer MARK WINTER has been looking at the club's Striker scheme and is hoping other fans can help him bring it back to pre-Lottery levels.

As I write these notes the future of our football club looks very much in the balance. That said, you'll excuse me for remaining positive and exploring avenues as to how we might get back on track.

As I've mentioned on the forum in recent weeks, I attended a meeting with Bill Williams recently aimed at discussing how the club's Striker Lottery might be updated and improved.

The bad news is that it's in need of a drastic overhaul. The good news is that I'm convinced that, with a little effort, the Striker can be brought back to its zenith of 6,000 members. I say this in the knowledge that you should never underestimate anyone's desire to give me £1 in order that I might go away.

On a more serious note, a number of areas have been highlighted as to how matters can be overhauled. Here a just a few of them.

Over the course of the past few days, I've put together a team of four that will concentrate our efforts around the Barton Road area of the town. I'll be doing administration, highlighting the benefits of Striker membership and how to join. When leaflets are prepared (which won't cost the club a copper coin), we'll be doing a mail drop to all the houses in the selected area. Once this has been completed, we'll send out a couple of canvassers to sign up interested parties. The final stage, of course, will be for an agent to add the new customers to his existing round.

I suspect all this sounds a little simplistic. But given that one new agent in this area has already signed up 112 new members, and he claims not to have tried that hard, is irrefutable proof that it can be done.

When the Barton Road area has been canvassed, we'll simply move on and target another area.

The major problem is one of numbers. When I say that when one agent resigned recently and hasn't been replaced, it's an edifying thought to think that £65 per week (£3,380 per annum) has slipped through the club's fingers for want of somebody to collect it.

So this is where you come in.

New agents are desperately required to make the whole thing work. Effectively, we're talking about spending three hours per week of your time on something that's been the lifeblood of the club since it's inception. Realistically, it's something you could do whilst walking the dog. So if you even think you might be able to help, please call Bill at the club or me at home and we'll explain things further.

Other factors likely to happen are:

1. Increased payments to Striker Agents. As things stand, they keep all of their first weekly collection and are paid 10p in the £1 from this point. Though I should stress that this is still under consideration, it is thought that 15p for every member over 50 and 20p for every member over 100 is not unreasonable.


2. A campaign to attract more local businesses into the scheme. Recent experience has shown that there are a number of high street shops keen to contribute. This is something we feel that the club hasn't really tapped into. Viz. That football fans are the most loyal people in the world and that brand loyalty is a potent weapon in local commerce. In simple terms, I'm hacked off with handing all my dosh to multi-nationals that don't give a damn about our community. In future, I'll be supporting those that support me and mine!


3. Identifying those customers that would sooner pay their £1 per week by direct debit or standing order. It goes without saying that this method is easier and could reduce administration man hours considerably.


4. Using the website and e-mail to much better effect to bring things up to speed and to encourage the wealth of talent that the club has at its disposal. It doesn't take a genius to work that the hundreds of you can be reached - worldwide - with just one e-mail.

Expect another posting on this site shortly as to how things are progressing. Please get in touch if you think you can help.

Mark Winter
E-Mail: markwinter@freeuk.com (Home number not published for fear of idiots. Genuine Whites fans can find it easily enough).

MAJOR Whites shareholder Jim Parmenter has promised he has no intention of standing in the way of the club's progress. Parmenter, who has the fourth biggest stake in the club with 15,200 shares, has received offers for his shares - but will not sell them or give them up to just anyone.

The ex-Dover director, currently vice-chairman at Conference rivals Margate, said he would like to hand over all his shares to the Dover Athletic Supporters Trust - but legally that's not an option.

He said: "I invested between £80-£100,000 in the club and was willing to help it out of trouble when I was at the club. That never happened and Jim Gleeson has tried to do the same since, sadly to no effect. I want the club to thrive. I've no interest in seeing Dover go under. If I wanted that, I'd have just simply sold my shares off. There was an offer from a couple of syndicates, but I didn't know enough about the aim of the syndicate to just sell them. I will only give up my shares if it's in the best interests of Dover Athletic."

Parmenter has played a key part in Margate's surge up the pyramid to the Conference and with the Thanet club's biggest crowd of the season against Dover on Boxing Day it would not even make business sense for the ex-Whites director to sell the club down the river. He said: "I would never do that. The club has been in a mess for some time and I sincerely hope they can get out of it."

Parmenter has the biggest stake in the club after John Husk, Alan Husk and Gordon Goodacre. Dover chairman Gordon Cowan explained that one difficulty the club face at the moment is reaching agreement not just with the Husks and Goodacre - the three biggest shareholders - but the other shareholders too.

Cowan said: "There are so many people involved and reaching agreement with all the shareholders is what's taking a little bit of time. Those negotiations are delicate and it's not as easy as some people may think. The whole structure of the club needs to change before we can attract serious investment in the club. Two interested parties pulled out because of the situation with shareholders."

The official launch of the recently formed Dover Athletic Supporters Trust will take place at Dover Town Hall this Thursday evening. Players past and present will be in attendance and there will be a licensed bar and raffle sponsored by local businesses. The evening starts at 7:00pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC are on a Conference life-support machine after two devastating defeats against relegation rivals - and chairman Gordon Cowan admits the team will slip into the league's graveyard if they lose their next two matches. It's a grim, but realistic, outlook for Whites and unless they can shock everyone by beating top-of-the-table Dagenham away and Farnborough at home the following week Conference survival will be, all but mathematically, impossible. Cowan conceded: "It's not looking good now, but we must soldier on. Football can be strange sometimes and beating Dagenham this Saturday would throw a spanner in the works." Indeed, it would. But even a win at the Victoria Ground will not make the league table pleasant reading for Whites fans. Relegation would require the club to reassess its plans. And, although Cowan doesn't want to dwell on relegation yet, he admitted: "The number of people who come through the turnstiles is going to be the biggest factor. If supporters still turn up at Crabble in plus 1,000 numbers if we go down, we'll not be too badly off, although we'll lose a lot of benefits from dropping out of the Conference.

"Clubs like Cheltenham and Dagenham have got themselves relegated from the Conference and bounced back stronger. If we were to go down, that's what we'd need to aim for. But we need the support of fans more than ever." Boss Neville Southall has already pledged his future to the club, come what may, next season - if he is still wanted. But Cowan admitted he won't be able to decide anyone's future at the club, including players, until the season has finished. He said: "We'll need to work out our budget and other things like that, so it's impossible to know what will happen. I personally hope we do have Nev as manager next season. Although results have not been good, he's done a good job. It's not been an easy one for him."

Cowan revealed the club are no nearer this week to making an announcement about behind-the-scenes activities. He said: "Things are still very delicate. The fans will be the first to know once something happens."

VALENTINE'S DAY fever struck the nation on Thursday - and Whites boss Neville Southall has challenged his men to show how much they love their supporters. "It would be a perfect Valentine gift if we can beat Scarborough on Saturday and then start on a winning run," he said. "We logically need to win every other game, but to be honest the lads have got to try and win every match.

"We know it's tough but I believe that our approach has been positive. Never have we played for draws or stuck just one man up front. We need to get at opponents, give it a go and win.

"Scarborough is a crucial match, but they all are now. Last weekend at Northwich I was pleased that we created some good chances, although we shot ourselves in the foot by giving away two silly goals. If we can stop the errors, we'll win matches.

"When I first came here, I was convinced we could stay up. I'm still convinced. But we've got to be positive, because if you go out in a negative manner you're asking for trouble."

Neil Le Bihan, who played in the 6-1 friendly win at Herne Bay, is likely to return to the side, while Lee Shearer (ankle) and Kristan James (hamstring) will have late fitness tests before Southall names his team.

Big Nev wants to bring in another two players but any impending transfers are on hold, while the club hope to make an announcement of some kind next week.

Chairman Gordon Cowan confirmed that the club are concluding talks with major shareholders John Husk, Alan Husk and Gordon Goodacre. But the talks are sensitive, so for those reasons Cowan can't go into any more detail yet.

Cowan will be in a position to answer fans' questions on this website after next week. Southall has already done likewise in a special Q&A on this site.

The Dover chairman said: "I don't like to duck out of any questions, but just want to hang fire on a couple of things until the end of next week. One way or another, I will be a bit more forthcoming with information next week."

One of the problems for Southall is his inability to offer contracts beyond this season, because of the uncertainty surrounding the club's future.

Big Nev explained: "I can't give out longer deals because we don't know whether the club's going to get taken over or what. So we can only look at this season and then in the summer all sit down together and see where we're going. I want to build for next season of course, but there's usually around 700 professional footballers out of work in the summer so I'm not overly worried about being left short."

Picture courtesy of the Kent Messenger Group

IN A Dover Athletic Official Website exclusive, manager Neville Southall answers questions posted by on-line supporters.

Chris Hart, 12, from Wingham (near Canterbury): Are you going to put your gloves back on at Dover?

Martin Leigh, a long-standing fan from Dover: Will fans be better notified of news from the club? And will they also be informed of transfer fees paid for departing and incoming players?

John Moorhouse, of Sandwich: It seems as if you want to try and bring in as many people as possible who have experienced relegation dogfights. But does the term "experienced" suggest many of our new players will be 30 plus or will you also be looking for youngsters who can cope with the situation Dover are currently in?

Garth Maguire, a fan from St Margaret's: What do you consider a realistic position for Dover Athletic to achieve in the next three years? Can they make the Football League? Do you see yourself here in three years?

Big Nev: I think that Dover are capable of being in the Football League. We've got to avoid relegation this season to realistically challenge within three seasons, but it's possible. We've got to become more professional on and off the pitch. And we've got to go full-time to have a better chance of competing against the top sides. Talent-wise this side is as good as any in this league, so we've just got to take things forward and hopefully we can realise the potential here. I'd like to be here in three years. I've always said that I'd like to get into the Football League and take Dover with me.

James Pearce, 17, is a big Dover Athletic fan who runs his own website: Could it possible to arrange a game between the first team and supporters, substituting fans every ten minutes?

Shaun Thompson says "Hola" from Murcia in the south of Spain and asks: Why on earth did you choose Dover Athletic to manage when, a few months down the line , you might well be in the frame for Walter Smith's job at Everton?

Shaun again: While I haven't got a Spanish tumble dryer kicking about, there's a good-sized 11-a-side pitch plus 5-a side court behind my house if he fancies some place warm for mid-season training.

Ritchie Hulks, 19, Dover: How do you feel about the supporters trust? Can you see it having a place on the current DAFC board?

Alan Forsyth, Dublin: I am impressed with your willingness in these difficult times to move to the area. How are you settling in, both on and off the field?

Jerry Bishop, 45, of Herne Bay: You said players not giving 100 per cent don't have a future at Crabble. Does this mean we will see Chris Allen off-loaded in the near future?

Ben Hughes, 22, lives in Deal: It's clear when young reserve players John Ovard, Craig Cloke and particularly Tom Hickman come on they were prepared to fight for every ball and chase every lost cause more than certain senior players who started the game. Will you be looking to use these youngsters more, as they obviously have more passion for the club than some people who seem to turn up just to pick up a wage?

Ian Smith, a Dover fanatic now living in Harrogate: We will have to win 50 per cent of our games to get to 47 points, safety probably, does he believe that we can do it? And how can we do it?

Ian also has a further question: If, God forbid, we do go down does he see enough potential at the club to keep him there next season? After all Cheltenham and the Daggers were both relegated only to return much stronger outfits and go on to greater things.

This evening's Nationwide Conference match between Dover Athletic and Margate at Crabble was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The fixture had originally been scheduled to take place on New Year's Day but on that occasion it was cancelled because the pitch was frozen. No date has yet been set for the replay.

Dover will have to make the long trek to Forest Green Rovers on a weekday evening. The Nationwide Conference fixture was postponed three weeks ago because of bad weather. It will now take place on Wednesday 20 February.

NEVILLE SOUTHALL has vowed to stay at Dover Athletic next season - whether they're in the Conference or not. The Whites boss, who has taken on one of the hardest jobs in football, would be happy to be at Crabble next season if the club still want him. And the league Dover are competing in will not be a factor for the Everton goalkeeping legend. He said: "I want to be at Dover for at least the next few years. I love everything about this job and being at the club, apart from the results. I don't know what it is I love about Dover, I can't quite put my finger on it, but this club is a very good one."

"The club needs waking up in some areas and it's my job to help that happen. There's so much potential and I firmly believe that if we stay up then already there's a great chance of challenging for a top position next season."

When asked if the club went down would he still see his future at Dover, Southall said: "Yes. I want to stay here. I don't want to be relegated, of course, but if that happened then I've got to bring them straight back up. But we're still a Conference club at the moment and survival is not beyond us yet. We lost against Northwich, but that doesn't suddenly mean we're out of it. There's still 14 games left and everyone has got to get behind us in our bid to complete a great escape. Let's not resign ourselves to relegation when there's still a chance of staying up. Ideally, I'd like to have more time, but we've just got to get on with it. We shouldn't panic yet."

The news of Neville's interest in staying at Crabble, whatever happens at the end of this nightmare season, will be a big boost to everyone at the club. Chairman Gordan Cowan has already pledged that he and everyone running Dover Athletic will not jump ship if the unthinkable happens. And the fantastic support already shown to the club by its loyal fans must continue too.

NEVILLE SOUTHALL has challenged his Dover side to bury the disappointment of another defeat at Northwich by beating bitter Kent rivals Margate at Crabble on Monday night. The Whites boss admitted the players were gutted after their 2-1 reverse at the Drill Field on Saturday. But Big Nev has promised he is not giving up the fight and believes the team is not far away from being one that could comfortably compete in the top half of the Conference. He said: "The lads were low after the game, which was understandable. We lost a match that should have at least got us a point. We gave away two terrible goals, although the boys told me afterwards that the first one was offside."

"As soon as they got their opening goal, our heads dropped, because of the pressure situation we're in, and Northwich could have scored a couple more. But then we levelled the score thanks to Leon Kelly and there only looked like one winner at that point - us. We carved out chances, but then gave away a shocking second goal that buried us. The lads had three chances to clear the danger before they eventually scored."

But looking ahead to the Margate game, Southall said: "I've told the players that if they don't want to feel like they did at 4.45pm on Saturday, then all they've got to do is put it right by getting three points against Margate."

"Margate are a half decent team. They wouldn't be in the top half of the table otherwise, but our side has a lot of talent and can beat anyone on their day. So I'm not worried about playing Margate. I'll take anyone, but we need to get something from the next two games. Basically we need to average one and a half points every match, so that's a win every two games. We've lost against Northwich, now we've got to beat Margate to keep on track."

Lee Shearer (ankle) is a doubt and Neil Le Bihan, who played for the reserves on Saturday, might have a chance of forcing his way into the squad. Southall confirmed Whites will play Herne Bay away on Tuesday night (7:45pm KO) with at least three new trialists on display.

IAN SMITH joins our DAFC website writing team and looks ahead at the upcoming relegation battle and poses the question: "Haven't we been here before?"

Neville Southall reckons that Dover have to win at least seven out of their remaining 15 games if they are going to retain their Conference place next season. Over half their games - a formidable target for a side that has only won eight league matches this term, and averaged just under a point a game. Even if one were charitable and excluded the first five games (defeats), when Gary Bellamy was experimenting with total football, Whites have still only managed to win a third of their games. This ratio must be improved if they are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop.

I would not argue with Nev's assessment and believe that this season there will be an unlucky side who do go down having knocked up 47 or 48 points. While in recent years this has guaranteed safety the ominous form of Athletic's relegation rivals indicates that they are now capable of reaching that total. Scarborough, Chester, and an ex-White Sam Ayorinde inspired Stalybridge have also started to show awesome form recently, that one has wondered whether we will be cast adrift at the bottom. In order to escape relegation Dover must ensure that they get enough points soon in order to pull some of those mid-table sides, like Forest Green, Farnborough and Stevenage (yes mid table, frightening!), in to the mire.

As a natural born pessimist I must say that I feel like pulling the covers over my head now and asking you to wake me up next May. At least that way I could avoid the nightmare and arise to plan for next season's trips to obscure places like King's Lynn, Hinckley and Ilkeston. Similarly as a non gambler surely I could not lose but to bet my house on Whites going down - a better bet than Man U winning the title?!

But wait ye of little faith. Have you forgotten the glorious spring of 1997, all of five years ago? Have you suffered amnesia blotting out the Great Escape?!

Looking back at my old programmes on another blank league Saturday, the 1996/7 match guide casts some encouraging parallels with 2002. Bottom of the league at the beginning of February on 25 points from 26 games. An embarrassing Trophy exit at the hands of neo-cockney opposition. That season it was Dagenham on their way to a Wembley final where ex-Dover hero Tony Rogers would get his marching orders. No league win that year, with a first Saturday of the year beating at Hayes and a debut 1-0 home league defeat for the new manager. Sound familiar? Although the 1-0 home defeat was from a team who play in red, it was Kettering and not Doncaster. Oh and by the way we had just lost our best ever player in to the bargain, agreeing to sell a travel weary David Leworthy to Rushden (I never did work out whether Rushden was further from his Havant home than Dover!). Put simply we had no chance of avoiding the inevitable drop - or did we?

Now I don't pretend to be a Dover fan on the Harris-Collings scale and do not attend every match. From my Yorkshire home it is a tad expensive, means that I get considerable domestic ear ache, and question my own sanity when we're getting whooped every week. The point of saying that is that I missed the next three games, a regret that I shall probably take to my grave.

In real Roy of the Rovers style written off Whites won all of them. The first I remember reading about and no doubt when we do get in to the Football League there will be thousands of Dover fans boasting how they were in the 984 crowd. As I recall Dover were up against it against Sammy McIroy's Macclesfield Town, on their way to the Conference championship. Inspired by on-loan Steve Brown, from Lincoln City, (didn't a certain Phil Stant used to play for them?) Dover came back to win 2-1 - the upset of the season. In the next two games, also at home, Whites won comfortably against fellow strugglers Bromsgrove and Welling.

The first time that I saw Bill Williams' rejuvenated outfit was away at Southport on February 22 and I think that Whites started the game out of the bottom three. It wasn't pretty but was effective! I remember thinking that it was Whites who were the gritty Northern opposition as they closed down every Southport player and tackled ruthlessly.

Just as the home fans were bemoaning their luck in front of goal and the away team's animal tactics, Scott Lindsay broke up the right and delivered a hard low cross for Jimmy Strouts to bundle in to the net. Magic! Four wins on the bounce had actually put Whites clear of the danger zone. Prior to the start of that run on February 8 they had only managed five wins in 25 games.

It wasn't all plain sailing from then on however. Inconsistency set in and two home defeats (against Southport and Gateshead) and two home draws with Stevenage and Rushden (who themselves conducted a late relegation escape) meant that we could never take safety for granted until an away match at Altrincham on the last but two Saturdays of the season.

Just like this season Sam Ayorinde was playing for another North Western club in relegation trouble . By this time Altrincham were bottom and although Whites were 10 points ahead, in 17th, they were by non means safe, having played more games than the sides below. Defeat looked on the cards, and another couple of weeks of cardiac scares inevitable, as the Robins took the lead on 70 minutes.

Heads did not drop though and Dover won a free kick outside the box. John Budden crashed the ball home from 20/25 yards - a scorcher! Then having incurred the wrath of the home fans all afternoon a certain Darren Adams broke just inside their half, ran to the edge of the box before lobbing the keeper to score a very memorable winner. A 2-1 success and relegation fears banished. There can have been few more pleasurable moments watching Dover!

In just under three months Bill Williams and Clive Walker had transformed a team of losers and no hopers in to a combative outfit. By the end of the season they had got to 50 points by taking 25 points (seven wins and four draws) from their last 15 matches. Not quite championship form, but more than enough to avoid the drop.

Will history repeat itself this time? I really hope it does and in theory it can, but then my pessimistic nature gets the better of me. In that season we had nine of those last 15 at home as opposed to seven this time. We had also visited and had been beaten by all the top three clubs by the time Williams took the helm. This season we still have to play them all away, with our last game at Yeovil. Lets hope we don't need a result from that one!

One thing is for sure if Neville does avoid the drop then he should receive the 'freedom of Dover', something that Bill Williams should have got for the great escape of five years ago!!

Dover Athletic could be charged by the Kent County Football Association for sending the Reserve Team to play Ashford in the Kent Senior Cup whilst the first team played a friendly at Deal Town. KCFA vice-chairman Colin Boswell said on BBC Radio Kent at the weekend:

"Next time the cup committee of the KCFA meet they will obviously discuss it. Three years ago the KFCA called a meeting of all its senior clubs to discuss whether they wanted the Kent Senior cup to continue. All of those clubs said that they did. I believe that turning out a reserve side was a bit of an insult to the county football association and to the paying customers that went to Ashford on Tuesday night. But obviously Dover football club have their reasons and no doubt they may well be asked to give those reasons to the cup committee of the Kent County Football Association."

WHITES chairman Gordon Cowan has insisted Conference survival is "absolutely crucial". Cowan admits relegation would be a bitter pill to swallow and would cost the club "a lot of money". He said: "We've got to stay up, that's our first goal. If we drop out of the Conference, revenue and other benefits will fall. The Conference gives each of its clubs a sum of money and we'd lose out on the television revenue that's coming in from Sky Sports. Relegation would force us to reduce our budget considerably, so the task that lies ahead to stay up is extremely important."

Cowan's comments scotch rumours that the club have already accepted relegation. "Not at all" said the Dover chairman. "We're in a big fight, we're fighting people who love this club, and Conference football is what we want next season. Then we want to build from there."

And Cowan has an important message for supporters: "Thank you." He said: "I have to say a big thank you to them all. They've got behind us in our hour of need. We told them the town needed to show it wanted a Conference club and they've done just that. We still desperately need them to get up to Crabble for all our home games and support us. We need their support more than ever."

Cowan, who is running the club with fellow director Bill Williams and management committee members Jim Pellet, Jim Gleeson and Roger Knight, said he and his group are 100 per cent committed to the club's future. Will they still be there, even if the club did get relegated?: "Yes. Absolutely. We love this club, but we're not going down, are we?"

DOVER ATHLETIC will continue to be managed by the Famous Five. Club chairman Gordon Cowan confirmed there are currently no consortiums interested in a takeover after two earlier groups had pulled out but the club are in safe hands. Cowan and Bill Williams continue as the board of directors with Jim Pellet (financial advisor), Jim Gleeson and Roger Knight still sitting on the management committee. The Whites chairman said: "Some people are calling us the Famous Five, but we appear to be making a lot of progress off the pitch. Although funds remain tight, we're beginning to create a solid financial infrastructure for the club to move forward."

Negotiations are still being held with potential investors who are interested in joining the existing five running the club. Cowan said: "We started with three options. The first was a consortium led by a Scot. We got excited about that one, but they pulled out. In fact, it was a blessing in disguise because Neville Southall was part of that group and he still offered his services. The next consortium pulled out too, leaving us with option three to run the club ourselves and that's what we're doing."

Last week the club were speaking with potential investors - not consortiums as we reported - and these discussions are on-going. Director Williams explained: "Some confusion was created because everyone was led to believe we were talking to consortiums due to a small misunderstanding. We were in fact talking to people who may be interested in joining our existing group. The club are always looking for investment and that's what we're doing."

Although the club are being managed by Cowan and his group, Dover Athletic remain under the ownership of major shareholders John Husk, his brother Alan Husk and Gordon Goodacre. Williams said: "We've told the main shareholders that were willing to take the club's reins indefinitely and they're thinking about it."

Former Dover forward Sammy Ayorinde helped Stalybridge Celtic to an impressive 2-1 victory over leaders Boston United this afternoon whilst the Whites were inactive due to the postponement of their game at Forest Green. Stalybridge's result coupled with Scarborough's point at Margate means Dover are now bottom of the Conference. Meanwhile fourth bottom Leigh RMI won at Northwich and Hayes lost to Yeovil.

Dover will have to wait at least two weeks to move off the bottom as they have no games in the Conference until 9 February as next weekend is the FA Trophy Fourth Round.

Dover's trip to Forest Green in the Nationwide Conference this afternoon has been postponed because of the weather. The Reserve Team match against Ashford Town Reserves at Crabble this afternoon has also been postponed.

In the Conference four of the matches involving Athletic's relegation rivals are still scheduled to go ahead. All have tough matches. Bottom club Stalybridge, who have three games in the hand on the Whites, host table-toppers Boston United whilst second bottom Scarborough visit Dover's local rivals Margate. Woking are at home to third-placed Yeovil Town whilst Hayes are at home to second-placed Dagenham & Redbridge.

DOVER boss Neville Southall has made a treble swoop and has promised his rebuilding at Crabble is far from finished. The Everton legend completed the signing of Scott Ramsay from Brighton on a free-transfer last night and then today landed Shrewsbury defender Kevin Seabury on a non-contract basis and ex-Wales U-19s midfielder Kristan James on the same terms.

But Southall is still in the hunt for Millwall midfielder Rio Alderton, who will play in another hastily-arranged friendly on Tuesday night at Deal Town, and will take another look at winger Simon Glover. The Dover boss also intends to include more trialists as he looks to give Whites the best possible chance of beating the drop.

Southall said: "We need more new faces that's for sure. I am happy with the three I've brought in but to stay up we've got to win seven matches out of 15. So the challenge is big and we've got to have a good enough squad to rise to the task."

Ramsay was recommended to Southall by Phil Stant, who played with Ramsay last season at Brighton, and the Dover boss now believes he has three players capable of getting the goals. He said: "Scott's big and pacy. That's exactly what we need up there. We've now got more options up front."

Seabury signs for Dover after nine years at Shrewsbury and his capture should fill the void left by the departing Colin Vowden at the back. Meanwhile, James was in the Wales U-19s team under the management of Southall and has been snapped up from League of Wales side Neath. Southall said: "He's only 20 and a lad with potential. He's played some matches for the Swansea first team and I was impressed by him when he played for me with the Wales U-19s."

DOVER boss Neville Southall signed Brighton striker Scott Ramsay tonight (Thursday) and plans to secure two more players before the Forest Green Rovers match on Saturday.

Southall said: "The Scott Ramsay deal went through today. He will go straight into the squad at Forest Green and hopefully I'll have two more fresh faces there too."

Ramsay was on the fringes of the Albion side, but was never considered a serious contender as a first choice striker for ex-Dover manager Peter Taylor's side.

The 21-year-old Hastings-born six foot marksman made just one first-team sub appearance this term, but he did get a few games during their Division Three Championship-winning season last year under Micky Adams.

Millwall midfielder Rio Alderton and experienced defender Kevin Seabury were two of the five trialists who faced Charlton on Tuesday and both are players that fill positions that Southall is looking to strengthen.

Two of Dover's closest rivals at the bottom of the Conference were given boosts today. Scarborough, who had been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, had their penalty reduced to a single point after a successful appeal. Meanwhile Chester City moved up the table with an excellent 3-0 victory at Telford. The day's events leave Dover (26 points from 27 matches) in 20th position just two points ahead of bottom placed Stalybridge Celtic who have three games in hand on the Whites. Scarborough are 21st, one point behind Dover with a game in hand. Leigh RMI are the team immediately above Dover, one point ahead on 27 having played two matches fewer whilst Woking are a further point ahead with one game in hand and Chester are in 17th place on 29 points from 27 games.

The Whites travel to Forest Green Rovers, who haven't won in their last seven matches and have drawn six consecutive matches at home, on Saturday desperate to regain ground on the rest of the bottom six.

WHITES could unveil their new owners on Friday if negotiations go according to plan this week. Director Bill Williams (right) revealed the club would be meeting its solicitors on Wednesday after lengthy dialogue with two consortiums bidding to takeover. Then, all going well, a club statement will be released before Saturday's away trip to Forest Green Rovers.

Williams said: "Once we get through our solicitors meeting, something is likely to happen. Because everybody has worked hard to sort out the club's future, I don't want to go into too much detail until we're ready 100 per cent. With a bit of luck we could be making an announcement on Friday, but we can't be completely sure at this moment. It's been a long process. With 15 people involved, including the current owners and consortium members, we're having to strike a deal which suits every individual. As you can imagine, that has required a lot of time but thankfully, due to the hard work of Neville Southall, the club is ticking along OK at the moment."

Dover's financial problems, first revealed by former director Jim Parmenter in a Dover Mercury article in the summer of 1999, are in need of urgent attention and without investment the club admits it will be difficult to continue at Conference level. The New Year's Day postponement of the home game against Margate didn't help matters but Williams added: "Nev's idea to hold a dine with the manager evening, as well as arranging friendlies against Spurs and Charlton has eased our loss in revenue a little. Some local businesses have got in touch with us too and sponsored games. Generally the support from the town has been good and I urge supporters and local businesses to continue getting behind the club."

NEVILLE SOUTHALL believes this Tuesday's match against Premiership side Charlton Athletic will be the club's biggest match since he took charge. Although there's no vital points to claw Dover out of the relegation zone at stake, Southall insists the game is every bit as important as a Conference match.

It will give him an excellent opportunity, without the pressure of winning, to make his mind up on some of the players he wants to bring to Crabble. The Dover boss, who watched his team slump to their second league defeat out of three under his stewardship, hopes to have six players on parade against Alan Curbishley's men.

Southall admitted: "The match is very important. It's vital for me, so I can look at some options on the playing front. We have a shortfall of players at the moment after letting Colin Vowden, Darren Carr and John Elliott leave this week and allowing Tommy Tyne to join Welling on loan. But that was something I was expecting to happen. I couldn't bring players in until after I shifted men out. Now I have some room to recruit players and there should be at least six new faces for the Charlton match. Not all of them will start, but they'll all be involved during the evening."

Curbishley has promised Southall he will bring a "very strong" side down to Crabble. It is expected that nine players with Premiership experience will play. And it is important Dover supporters get themselves to the game and help the club raise much-needed funds, like they did against Doncaster on Saturday. Southall is chuffed that Whites fans are turning up at Crabble in big numbers and has been impressed by their support. He said: "The Doncaster match got nearly 1,200 fans and for a team in our position that's excellent. We really do need to maintain that kind of support. It will keep the club going and help the team on the pitch achieve the results that can get us out of this mess."

The Dover boss said Saturday's 1-0 defeat saw a performance that impressed him more than any of the four previous games (including the Spurs friendly) under his management. Although he is quick to point out that his side will need to improve on that if they are to stay up. He said: "It was nice to see a few of their players on the ground for a change. That meant we were getting our tackles in and were more solid. The main problem was our ball into the front players. We need to have a better quality of service to the strikers. Phil Stant and Keith Scott will get goals if they get good balls, I'd put my mortgage on that."

"Phil's presence improved us. He is vocal and was encouraging the boys on throughout. His presence in the dressing room is invaluable. I genuinely believe we're not too far away from getting results. We have a better spirit in the camp and my trimming of the squad is almost over."

"I'd say there were two players out there who I was disappointed with. It wasn't their commitment that was to blame. They didn't quite give us what I'm looking for, but I've had a little chat with them about it and we'll see how things develop."

Southall has spoken to 19-year-old Millwall midfielder Rio Alderton (right) and is hoping to include him in the Whites side on Tuesday. Alderton, a 6ft 1ins tough tackler who has progressed though the youth ranks at the New Den, is currently playing in the First Division club's reserve side and was in the squad for a game at Walsall earlier in the season. The Dover boss said: "He's a strong man who gets stuck in, so we'll take a look at him. I've been talking to plenty of Football League sides and I'm just waiting on phone calls back."

Southall has been tracking Cambridge United marksman Leon Kelly (left), who has been on loan with Nuneaton Borough this season. The 23-year-old was keen on linking up with Southall, but the Second Division side are asking for "silly money". Southall said: "I've been chasing him since I got the job here. He's a strong, pacy and direct front man, but Cambridge seem to think we're millionaires and have been asking for silly money. We've been waiting for a call back for ages and time is not on our side, so we're probably going to look elsewhere."

The Dover boss denied James Aggrey had joined Blackpool, saying: "He had flu on Saturday and called me in the morning to say he couldn't play. At the moment, he is still a Dover Athletic player."

The match against Charlton kicks off at 7.30pm and Southall jested: "I might even give young Alan Curbishley a game for us."

DEAL TOWN could become Dover's nursery club. Neville Southall, who moved to Deal last week, is hoping that the Kent League Premier Division side could be a great place for fringe players to play, rather than in the reserve team. The Dover boss said: "The Kent Premier Division is a better standard and it will allow our reserve side purely to be an under-19s team. The reserve league doesn't really help the older players who are on the fringes of our first team, so we're in discussions with Deal. It will help us and of course help them too. I think it's an excellent chance for both clubs. It'd be great if it happens."

Dover Athletic will take on Premiership side Charlton Athletic at Crabble on Tuesday 22 January. The game has been arranged to raise money for the club and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has promised to send a strong side. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

BIG Nev has signed a man he can trust to help Keith Scott in attack. The Whites boss completed the signing of 39-year-old marksman Phil Stant on a week-to-week basis this week and he will make his debut against Doncaster Rovers this Saturday.

Stant, who played for 14 League clubs, most recently for promotion-clinching Brighton and Hove Albion, has never worked with Southall before. But the Dover boss said: "He's got plenty of experience, can still score goals and is a player we can trust to give 100 per cent."

Southall is confident that at least two more new faces will be in the Whites side that take on Charlton Athletic in another friendly at Crabble next Tuesday (7.30pm KO). Addicks' manager Alan Curbishley has promised to send down a strong team after Southall told him of Dover's financial problems.

Forward John Elliott (right) and defender Darren Carr have had their contracts terminated by the club. Dover boss Neville Southall needed to release players before he could bring in new signings and these players were not in his long-term plans for the club.

Dover midfielder Jimmy Strouts (right) has been saved from a four match suspension by video evidence presented to the FA. Strouts appealed against his dismissal at Hayes on 5 December for alleged violent conduct. The FA upheld the appeal and reduced the punishment to a yellow card. This means Strouts will be available for selection this Saturday when the Whites take on Doncaster Rovers at Crabble in the Conference.

NEVILLE SOUTHALL has five things on his shopping list - three new players, a washing machine and a tumble dryer.

The Dover boss, who this week is moving to a new home in Deal, is working around the clock to make the club more professional on and off the pitch. And anyone who doubts Southall's commitment to the manager's post should know that he returned to his North Wales home at 4am on Tuesday after a six-hour drive from Dover.

Between him, assistant Clive Walker and director Bill Williams, 50 telephone calls were made on Monday chasing the men he desperately needs to boost the Dover squad.

Southall, who had just arisen from his slumbers after the long trek home in the early hours of Tuesday, quipped: "I was told this job was part-time. I think part-time means I work nine months out of 12!"

He said: "Everyone involved with the club have been magnificent. Supporters have got behind the club on the terraces and helped in other ways."

"One man came into the office on Monday and told me he'd bought us 20 towels for the squad. That's saved us £200 and paid a player's wages for a week. It might not sound a lot, but things like this really do help."

"At the moment, the club needs a washing machine and a tumble dryer. Robin Hastie and his wife do all the club's washing at their home every week. That's a lot of work and Robin has got a busy full-time job as well."

"Robin, his wife and the guy who bought some towels epitomise the spirit at Dover Athletic and are an example to everyone. It's unbelievable commitment and exactly what we need on and off the pitch."

"These are true Dover Athletic people. People who love the club. And we need this mirrored on the field by all the players."

Southall said he had "300 irons in the fire" in his efforts to recruit fresh faces for Dover's relegation battle. And he said one new signing should be in the side that faces Doncaster Rovers at Crabble on Saturday.

Southall said: "I need three new players in the team. They are not going to be world-class superstars, but will be players I trust to give 100 per cent to our cause."

"A relegation battle is a tough business. I want fans to realise they're not going to get Manchester United-style play from us this season. But they can expect to see a team of honest grafters. Every man will be committed to keeping this club in the Conference. Hopefully within two weeks, I'll have the players I want in and the players I don't out."

Tommy Tyne has joined Welling United on loan until the end of the season - but Southall insisted his Dover future is not over. He said: "I feel at 20 he's a little inexperienced for a relegation dogfight. Tommy's a good player and I've been impressed with him - but I need someone who can definitely handle the heat."

"It's better for Tommy to play in a winning Welling side to develop his talents than playing in our reserve side."

The financial restraints remain tight, but Southall said the club would still survive the season - despite missing out on a big payday due to the postponement of the Margate game on New Year's Day.

But the Dover boss stressed that every supporter needs to show his or her face at Crabble on Saturday and every home game until the end of the season. Numbers through the gates bring much-needed revenue. Supporters should remain patient and, if results are poor, leave Crabble satisfied that they're helping the club survive and build for the future.

Southall admitted: "The club needs to open itself to the fans. For whatever reason, fans have been neglected for the last couple of years and we've got to sort that out. Dover Athletic must be a club for its fans. It's they who make the club stronger."

"We need to be at the centre of the community and I've already been visiting local schools to get kids involved. They will, after all, be the club's future."

Removal men will be pulling up outside Southall's home on Thursday morning as he switches his home to Deal. That will give the former Everton and Wales star even more time to dedicate to Dover Athletic. And maybe find someone to donate or buy the club a washing machine and tumble dryer.

He said: "If anyone has one they can give us, it will be so appreciated. As silly as it sounds, it will help the club."

SPORTS journalist Justin Allen is joining the Dover Athletic website team. The former Mercury sports writer, who now works for the Daily Star in London, will be helping raise the club's profile to its supporters on the web.

He has already got Big Nev's co-operation for a number of ventures he plans before the end of the season.

The regular feature starts this week with an interview with the Dover boss and Southall has promised to participate in a questions and answers column with fans only on this website. Simply email your questions for Big Nev to Justin at justin.allen@dailystar.co.uk before next Tuesday (January 24) and the best questions (if not all) will be put to the Whites manager. And his answers will appear on this website.

Southall said: "I want to know what the fans think and to know that I'm very interested in their views. This club has got to open itself to the supporters, because they are what makes the club."

"I've already been impressed with the fans here, so please email your questions to Justin and I'll do my best to answer them."

Simply include your full name, age and town - with of course your question for Big Nev - and Justin will do the rest.

Justin said: "The club has clearly lacked good communication with its supporters and I'm happy to help out with what will hopefully make some interesting reading for Dover fans."

Dover forward Tommy Tyne has signed for Welling United of the Dr. Martens League Premier Division on loan. Manager Neville Southall believes the move will benefit the player who joined the Whites from Millwall in the summer. The deal is for three months but Tyne could be called back before then if he is needed at Crabble.

Meridian Teletext Page 474 - 13 January 2002

Dover manager Neville Southall has said that he will be looking to off-load those players he feels are not pulling their weight. Southall was quoted on Teletext as saying that he believes around 90% of the players are giving their best, but in some cases their best might not be good enough. He says those players that are not giving 100% do not have a future at Crabble.

Dover Athletic will play a Tottenham Hotspur XI at Crabble this Thursday evening (10th January). The game has been arranged to help Spurs striker Steffen Iversen's return to fitness and also helps Dover to generate some revenue in the long period without a home match caused by the postponement of the New Year's Day fixture against Margate. Tottenham have promised to bring a strong side that will include Iversen and any players not involved in the previous evening's League Cup Semi-Final against Chelsea. Admission will be £5.00 for adults, £3.00 for concessions and £1.00 for under 11s. The match promises to be an entertaining one. Spurs visited Crabble in pre-season and contributed to an excellent game of football that ended 1-1.

Dover Athletic supporters have the opportunity to dine with new manager Neville Southall next Thursday (17th January). The cost for the three course meal is £15.00 per head and Southall will give a talk at the event. Phone Bill Williams (01304 822373) for more details or to book.

This afternoon's vital survival battle against Hayes at Church Road will go ahead after the pitch passed a 10:00am inspection. 18th placed Dover and 17th placed Hayes are separated by a single point and win for either side would move them further away from the drop zone, whilst defeat would put them right back in the thick of the relegation struggle.

Today's Nationwide Conference fixture between Dover Athletic and Margate has been postponed despite having been given the green light earlier in the afternoon. The game was given the go ahead at 1:00pm following a 12:30pm pitch inspection by the referee. However, the stand side of the pitch was still frozen at 2:00pm and the referee made a second inspection and reversed his initial decision in the interests of the players' safety. At 2:10pm the game was called off. The club apologises to those supporters who had already made the journey to Crabble and those that had already paid admission have been provided with tickets to the rescheduled match, the date for which has not been announced yet.

This afternoon's match between Dover and Margate at Crabble will go ahead after the pitch passed the referee's pitch inspection. Most Football League and Conference matches in England today have been postponed.

There will be a pitch inspection at Crabble prior to Dover's East Kent derby against Margate this afternoon. The inspection will take place at 12:30pm and is necessary because of a frozen pitch. Five matches in the Conference and several in the Nationwide League have already been postponed. The outcome of the inspection will be announced on this website as soon as the news is available.

Dover boss Neville Southall could unveil his second signing in this afternoon's Conference encounter with Margate at Crabble. The new Whites manager hopes to have completed the signing of a new forward. The identity of the player has not yet been revealed.