BEES STING WHITES

KINNEAR ON SQUAD BUILDING

*BS*Chris Kinnear gives an exclusive update to doverathletic.com about how his team is shaping up ahead of the new season.*BF*

Kinnear completed a double striker swoop recently, adding Nathan Elder and Michael Bakare to his revamped squad.

He said of his new goalscorers: “They are young, ambitious, energetic and most importantly they both score goals. They will add more pace to the team and Nathan creates lots of chances as well.”

Chris revealed the type of footballers he wants to don the white shirt at Crabble this coming season: “I want ambitious players that are not in it for the money and want to progress, hopefully with us. I don’t want a big squad. I am looking at all positions but will avoid signing players that have a history of injuries.”

With 11 players currently signed up for the 2013/14 season, Dover’s pre-season fixtures will provide the perfect opportunity for the boss to look at potential new signings: “There will be some triallists coming down and I will certainly keep an open mind as I might find some gems.

“I don’t want to waste what is a very competitive budget early and it’s important we all get value for money. It is very much quality over quantity.”
*Q1*
Dover’s boss was also able to give an update on some of last season’s squad that are out of contract: “We are finalising details with Barry Cogan. Mitchell Walker has been offered a contract too, and we await his decision. Steven Thomson and Calum Willock will not be with us.”

With training due to start on Saturday 29th June and Dover’s first pre-season friendly scheduled for a week later on 6th July, Kinnear will also be involved in the squad’s fitness as well as transfers: “Jake will take on training and I might bring in a player-coach as well, but I tend to watch so that nothing is missed. It worked really well between myself and Jake at Margate.”