CLIVE WALKER met the Dover squad for the first time this week – and has already got a good idea of what he has got to work with.
And the Whites boss admits that the technical ability within the squad is of a good standard but he would need to see the players in action before forming a true opinion.
He said: “We had a good session on Tuesday. Everyone turned up, apart from two lads and I don’t know who those two are. Most of these players are new to me – apart from the boys who were here during my last spell as manager. But I was told two were missing.
“I’m preparing the team for Saturday, based on what I see in training. Obviously, people such as Paul Hyde have told me a bit about the players, so that will help me this week, at least.”
Now Walker cannot wait for the game at Staines on Saturday.
And he admitted: “I know nothing about Staines, apart from that we have played them twice – so the players here know about them.
“But I am not going to worry about what Staines are going to do – I’ve got to be more concerned with how we will play. I’ve got a couple of ideas, which I’ll keep to myself for now, but obviously the team isn’t winning games.”
Walker is on the lookout for new players to improve the squad but will put any moves on hold until he has a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses at the club.
He said: “I’m always looking at players and aware of what is available out there – but we’ll have to shift players out to bring other ones in. And, at this moment in time, I don’t know completely what we have and haven’t got. I’ve a good idea – but, by next week, we will have played a couple of games and I’ll be in a better position to know exactly.”
Meanwhile, Walker is delighted that Matt Carruthers and Chris Wright will be staying after appealing against internal disciplinary procedures, which would have seen their contracts terminated.
He said: “I know both Matt and Chris very well. Obviously, Matt has played in the first team for many years, while Chris is a kid I’ve coached and watched on a number of occasions.
“I don’t know all the ins and outs of what’s happened – but they are both determined to start with a clean sheet. I’m pleased about that.”