HESS MAKES HIS MOVE

Manager Andy Hessenthaler has reinforced his squad with four new signings ahead of today’s National League season opener against Notts County at Crabble.

Former Newport County striker Ade Azeez and Macclesfield Town central defender Marvel Ekpiteta both arrive on permanent deals, while another central defender, Harry Ransom, arrives on loan from Championship side Millwall.

Dover Athletic Academy starlet, Will Moses, a centre half, completes the new arrivals.

Azeez, who will wear the No.19 shirt, is no stranger to Dover fans, having played 12 games for us, scoring once, while on loan from Cambridge United during the 2017/18 season.

The Sidcup-born frontman left Newport in September after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent and he moved home to Kent.

Azeez started his career with Charlton Athletic and had loan spells with Wycombe, Leyton Orient, Torquay and Dagenham & Redbridge while with the Addicks.

The 26-year-old has also played for AFC Wimbledon and helped them win promotion out of League 2 in 2016 and played 46 games for Scottish Premiership side Partick Thistle in the 2016/17 season.

A move to League 2 Cambridge United followed before he joined Newport in January 2019.

Marvel, 25, the twin brother of Blackpool defender Marvin, joined Macclesfield Town from Newport County last month, but his time with the Silkmen was short-lived after the club was wound-up in the High Court over unpaid debts.

He joined Newport ahead of the 2019/20 season, making his professional debut in the EFL Trophy fixture against West Ham United under-23s.

Capped at under-20 level by Nigeria, Ekpiteta, who will be wearing number 20, spent much of last season on loan at Ebbsfleet United, making 25 appearances and scoring two goals.

Millwall under-23 captain Ransom made the move to the New Den from National League South side Eastbourne Borough in the summer of 2019.

Our new number 18 started his career at Brighton & Hove Albion before moving to Eastbourne at the age of 15.

He made his senior debut during the 2016/17 season and become the club’s youngest ever captain at 19.

Moses, who only turned 17 in May, has earned his contract after the Whitstable youngster continually impressed with his mature displays throughout pre-season and he will wear shirt number 21.