Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm that Momodou Jallow has agreed new terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The versatile midfielder joined the Whites ahead of last season from FC Marlow, where he developed into a powerful presence in midfield after initially joining as a left-back.

Known for his strength on the ball, energy and ability to cover ground, Jallow offers both defensive solidity and forward drive in the middle of the pitch.

During the 2025/26 campaign, the 22-year-old made 12 appearances for Dover Athletic as Jake Leberl’s side competed in the National League South.

His early career also included spells with Boreham Wood, Tooting & Mitcham, Fleet Town, Hartley Wintney and Dulwich Hamlet.

Everyone at the club is pleased to have Momodou back at Crabble for the 2026/27 season.

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2026/27 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Jallow this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm that Jalen Jones has agreed new terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The towering centre-half joined the Whites ahead of last season after an impressive 2024/25 campaign with Oxford City, where he made 38 appearances and scored four goals.

Jones quickly became an important part of Jake Leberl’s side during the 2025/26 National League South campaign, making 39 appearances and scoring three goals.

Standing at 6ft 7in, he brings a commanding presence to the back line and is known for his aerial dominance, composure on the ball and defensive strength.

A product of Crystal Palace’s academy, where he was coached by Mike Sandmann, Jones has also had spells with Worthing, Braintree Town, Cray Wanderers and Aveley.

He has also been capped internationally by Guyana, adding further experience to the Dover squad.

Everyone at the club is pleased to have Jalen back at Crabble as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2026/27 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Jalen this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

By JUSTIN ALLEN

KOLA SALAMI has warned rivals he is electric and ready to take the National League South by storm after Dover star Harry Beadle convinced him to join.

The explosive 23-year-old forward completed his move to Crabble after being blown away by a glowing recommendation from his close pal.

Salami said: “Harry Beadle is a good guy. I spoke to him before when I heard about Dover Athletic and he had nothing but good things to say.

“He said, ‘It’s the right club to be at. Obviously the gaffer will help you out and the coaches are all good here.’”

With Beadle’s endorsement ringing in his ears, Salami sat down with manager Jake Leberl to map out his future.

Salami added: “I spoke to the gaffer and he told me a lot about the club and how I fit into the team.

“He told me about players he’s worked with in the past who have the same type of abilities as me, a young player, and it all fits in well.”

The versatile player, who can play anywhere across the frontline, describes himself as a defender’s worst nightmare.

Salami said: “I’m a very fast player, pacy, electric. I like to beat a man, I like to score a lot of goals, so I hope I can do that.”

Dover fans will already remember Salami from when he helped former club Carshalton crush them 4-0 on their own patch.

He grinned: “We came up here, obviously we needed to get the three points because we were trying to push for the playoffs, and we won 4-0.”

Now he wants to make Crabble his permanent happy hunting ground after rising through the gruelling ranks of non-league.

The former Carshalton ace played for Corduff FC in Dublin before moving to the UK aged 11, starting out with Long Lane.

He bypassed the comfortable academy route, hardening himself in the men’s game with FC Elmstead and Dartford by the age of 19.

Salami said: “It was a bit difficult at first because of my mentality. People are playing for something every week, so I had to adapt to the physicality.

“My mentality has grown, also my ability as well, just improving stuff every day, every game and learning from experienced players.”

With over 100 senior appearances already under his belt, the confident striker believes his raw experience gives him a massive edge.

Salami added: “I’ve got experience in men’s football. I know that carries a lot of weight where I go. People think that I’m very experienced.”

The former Carshalton man also paid a glowing tribute to his old boss Peter Adeniyi for keeping his feet on the ground.

Salami said: “He played a huge part of me even being here. He helped me in personal ways, even when I’m not playing well.

“He would always talk to me on the level, encourage me to keep doing well, and do extras with me after training sessions.”

Now, Salami cannot wait to hear the roar of the Crabble faithful and promised to bring plenty of noise to the changing room.

He said: “At first I might be a bit quiet but as I warm up, my real personality comes out. I might be one of the loudest.

“It is exciting to play in front of a large crowd. When you do score, you’re just making a lot of noise. I’m very excited.”

Ultimately, Salami sees Dover as the perfect launchpad for his dream of reaching the very top of the football pyramid.

Salami said: “I see myself as someone who wants to be at the top. I just want to keep elevating and rising.

“I think Dover can be a stepping stone to where I want to be. The gaffer has high ambitions for the club this season.”

And he signed off with a direct, thrilling promise to the Dover fans ahead of the new campaign.
Salami vowed: “To the Dover fans, I’m going to see you guys real soon and I can’t wait to entertain you, score goals and get assists.

“We want to get three points every week. So, see you guys real soon!”

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.

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm that academy player Enyinnaya Ezenwanne has agreed terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Enyinnaya made his first-team debut for the Whites in the final National League South game of the 2025/26 campaign against Chesham United.

His introduction to senior football marked an important step in his development and provided another encouraging example of the pathway being created between the Dover Athletic Academy and the first team.

A promising young talent, Enyinnaya has earned his opportunity through hard work, consistency and the right attitude.

He will now continue his progression as part of Jake Leberl’s squad heading into the new season.

Academy Manager and First Team Assistant Mike Sandmann said:

The Academy are really proud to have another one come through the system and hopefully Eny can go on to become a huge success for Dover Athletic. Eny has developed really well in his first year and has worked so hard to be given this opportunity. There is still so much growth to come from Eny in his game and we are excited to see his progress.

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm that Rolando Onu has agreed new terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

A Dover Athletic Academy graduate, Rolando originally returned to Crabble ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after time in the United States with Loyola Maryland University and Eastern Florida College.

He enjoyed three successful years in the Dover Academy, winning National League Youth Player of the Year and helping the side lift the Champion of Champions, Premier League VAR Tournament and Kent Academies Cup.

After returning to the UK, Rolando featured in our Kent Senior Cup tie against Welling before signing for Faversham Town, where he went on to win the Southern Counties East Football League.

During the 2025/26 season, the forward spent time on loan at Sheppey United and Ramsgate before returning to Dover, making 16 National League South appearances and scoring once for the Whites.

Rolando will now continue his journey with the club as Jake Leberl’s squad takes shape for the 2026/27 campaign.

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2026/27 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

By JUSTIN ALLEN

DECARREY SHERIFF has issued a sizzling promise to the Crabble faithful ahead of the new campaign — MORE goals and MORE assists.

The exciting forward has officially put pen to paper on a fresh deal to remain with the Whites for another year.

And Sheriff, 28, insists he is ready to explode after an injury-hit first season at the club.

He said: “Now it’s time to really go out there and let the shackles off now.

“Now I have to really show the fans what I’m about.

“It’s easier said than done. I need to go and do it on the pitch.”

Sheriff joined Dover last summer and instantly fell in love with the community atmosphere around Kent.

He admitted re-signing was a “no-brainer” because the tight-knit dressing room feels just like home.

The Whites ace said: “These are important years for me now. I’m 28 now.

“Obviously going into the season and midway through the season, I’ll be 29.

“Yeah, I feel like a veteran now, to be honest — and want to help the team.”

Dover had a rollercoaster first season back in the National League South. After a promising start that even saw the team in and around the play-off spots, a late season dip saw them finish fifth bottom.

Although they were always comfortably clear of any relegation danger.

Sheriff said: “The boys done well in step three the season before and jump back into this league with some so-called big hitters that spend quite a bit.

“And we’ve put some good performance against good teams here, home and away, against some top teams.”

The forward revealed that manager Jake Leberl is working hard to fix the team’s inconsistency.

He claims improving game management is the absolute key to climbing up the table.

Sheriff explained: “What I’ve learned is we need to be better game management.

“We need to, as a whole, be more sharper in games in the beginning and just stay, game management, really just stay tight in games when it’s a bit difficult.

“I feel like we let loose in a lot of games.”

Fans do not always see the incredible bond built away from matchdays.

Sheriff praised the squad dynamic and the support of the management staff.

He said: “The dynamic in the changing room is brilliant. I wouldn’t change anything for that. It’s very lively.

“Through good and bad moments, there’s no real trouble where there’s people distancing themselves.

“Everyone’s together as a group. There’s no small groups. Everyone’s really together.”

He added: “We obviously engage in team nights out when suitable, when we’re allowed to and things like this.

“And I feel like this is what brings us closer to perform on the pitch.”

Every elite striker faces criticism when they fluff their lines in front of goal.

But Sheriff relies on his experience to brush off any frustration.

He revealed: “If I miss a chance, I think I’ve grown up now and I have enough experience now to kind of put it behind me.

“As soon as I leave the changing room and I go in the clubhouse to meet the fans, it’s about them. They’ve been brilliant to me.”

With striker George Nikaj departing the club, the pressure is on to find firepower.

But the frontman welcomes the challenge of extra responsibility.

He said: “We need to add more bodies. We need to add more hungry people that want to score goals.

“And I feel like that will be the difference.”

Before jetting off to Italy for a short break to see his son, Sheriff left a message.

He urged the fanbase to remain patient and completely back the boys.

Sheriff concluded: “Be loud, be proud.

“From my perspective, for me, you’re going to get more goals.

“You’re going to get more assists and you’re going to see some exciting football from everyone, individually and collectively.”

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm that Decarrey Sheriff has agreed new terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Sheriff joined the Whites last summer following a productive campaign with Billericay Town, where he made 49 appearances in all competitions and scored 10 goals during the 2024/25 season.

Sheriff went on to become an important part of Jake Leberl’s squad in the National League South, making 37 appearances and scoring seven goals in his first season at Crabble.

A powerful and experienced attacking option, Sheriff will once again be part of the squad as the Whites prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2026/27 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

By JUSTIN ALLEN

DOVER have pulled off a coup by keeping talismanic striker Ruben Soares-Junior after he snubbed offers from elsewhere.

The Portuguese striker has signed a new one-year deal at Crabble and insisted: “I’ve got unfinished business.”

In a candid interview, the 26-year-old lifted the lid on why he chose loyalty over a bigger payday.

He said: “I’m home here. The love from the fans and the trust from the gaffer made this an easy choice in the end.

“We started something special, and I am not leaving until the job is done.

“I had other options on the table, and some of them were offering a lot of money from leagues above.

“But you cannot put a price on happiness or the feeling you get when you walk out at Crabble.”

The striker has forged an unbreakable bond with the fans over the past two seasons — admired for his relentless work-rate, his goals and of course bubbly sense of humour.

Soares-Junior paid tribute to boss Jake Leberl for not only building a family culture in the dressing room — but keeping him grounded and hungry.

He revealed: “Jake knows exactly how to get the absolute best out of me.

“The manager gives me the freedom to express myself, and the lads in the dressing room are like brothers to me.

“You can’t buy that kind of team spirit anywhere else in football, no matter how much cash they throw at you.”

And Soares-Junior has a direct message to Dover fans.

He said: “Get your season tickets renewed because we need Crabble rocking every single week.

“You are our 12th man and together we’re going to make this a season nobody will ever forget.”

Dover Athletic are delighted to confirm that Ruben Soares-Junior has agreed new terms with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Ruben joined the Whites last season and played a major role in our promotion success, finishing the campaign with an outstanding 25 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

His impressive performances saw him recognised with both Manager’s Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season, underlining his importance to Jake Leberl’s side.

The forward carried that form into the National League South during the 2025/26 campaign, making 29 appearances and scoring eight goals as Dover adjusted to life back at Step 2.

A proven attacking threat with creativity, work rate and an eye for goal, Ruben will once again be part of the squad as the Whites prepare for the 2026/27 season.

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2026/27 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.