Dover Athletic are pleased to welcome Laurence Ball back to the club as part of Jake Leberl’s backroom staff ahead of the 2026/27 season.

A familiar face to many supporters, Ball enjoyed two spells as a player at Crabble during the 2000s. After beginning his career in Gillingham’s youth system, he first joined Dover in 2003 before returning to the club in 2007 following time with Altrincham.

During his second spell, Ball established himself in the first team and played an important role in the side that won the Isthmian League Division One South title in 2008/09, helping the Whites secure promotion. He went on to make over 50 appearances for the club before moving on to Ramsgate.

Now, more than 15 years later, Laurence returns to Crabble and will work alongside Jake Leberl, Mike Sandmann and the rest of the management team as preparations continue for the new season.

Everyone at Dover Athletic would like to welcome Laurence back to the club and wish him every success in his new role.

At the same time, the club can confirm that Chief Scout Richard Bates has departed to take up a new position with Dagenham & Redbridge.

The move presents a fantastic opportunity for Rich and allows him to take on a role closer to home.

Since joining the club during our successful 2024/25 Isthmian Premier Division promotion-winning campaign, Rich has become an integral member of Jake Leberl’s backroom team. Working closely with Jake, Mike and the coaching staff, he played a key role in opposition analysis, recruitment and match preparation, splitting his time between scouting upcoming opponents and supporting the team from the dugout on matchdays.

Rich leaves the club with our very best wishes and thanks for his hard work, dedication and contribution over the past two seasons.

We look forward to welcoming him back to Crabble in the future and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.