We can now confirm our official squad numbers for the 2025/6 season.

1.⁠ Mitch WALKER (GK) ©

2.⁠ Roman CHARLES-COOK

3.⁠ Fuad SESAY

4.⁠ Jalen JONES

5.⁠ Joe TENNENT

6.⁠ Luca COCORACCHIO

7.⁠ Luke BAPTISTE

8.⁠ Alfie MATTHEWS

9.⁠ Kenny COKER

10.⁠ George NIKAJ

11.⁠ Decarrey SHERIFF

13.⁠ Claudio BOAKYE-SARFO (GK)

14.⁠ Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR

16.⁠ Harry BEADLE

17.⁠ Henry LUKOMBO

20.⁠ Max FIDDES

21.⁠ Jacob MENSAH

22.⁠ Momadou JALLOW

23.⁠ George WILKINSON

24.⁠ Francis MAMPOLO

25.⁠ Ryan HANSON

27.⁠ Jordan GILLMORE (GK)

We’re thrilled to share a remarkable photographic archive recently presented to us by Ken Chapman. The collection includes over 400 images capturing football in Dover during the early 1960s, with most believed to date between 1964 and 1966.

These black-and-white snapshots shine a light on a vibrant era of local football, from five-a-side youth matches and Sunday League games at River Rec, to Crabble action, team photos, signings, and trophy presentations. They offer a fascinating window into the community spirit and grassroots game of the time.

But while the images are rich in atmosphere, many come with little or no written context. Ken normally pairs his photographs with newspaper reports to confirm dates and details, but unfortunately, the Dover Express editions from this period have not yet been digitised by the British Library, leaving some key questions unanswered.

As for the photographer – that remains something of a mystery. Ken suspects E. Court of Kent Photos, based at No. 4 King Street, may have been behind the lens. Others seem to feature or have been taken by Ray Warner, but it’s clear many of the images were originally intended for the press.

Ken’s full collection exceeds 4,000 photographs, spanning a wide range of subjects. He’s already shared selections with the Kent Police Museum, JLR Royal Engineers Facebook Group, Staffordshire Regimental Museum, and Paul Skelton’s Kent Pubs website.

We’re now making the football archive publicly available and we’d love your help in identifying people, places and stories. Whether you recognise a teammate, a family member, or even yourself – please get in touch.

Click here to view the full football archive on Google Drive

Jake Leberl will be taking part in a new feature engaging with you – the fans.

“Ask Jake” is a questions and answers video package where you can quiz our manager.

Simply email us your question, along with your full name, to george.cory@doverathletic.com

Or send a short video of your question via WhatsApp to 07402093736 – and we will put each one to Jake (as long as they are sensible).

We encourage as many of you as possible to record your question as a video so we can include it in the final production. Please state your full name at the start of the clip.

The answers will appear on our DAFCtv YouTube channel and social media platforms.

Enterprise National League South – Saturday 9 August 2025
Megger Community Stadium – 3pm Kick-Off

The wait is over. This Saturday marks Dover Athletic’s long-awaited return to the National League South, and we kick off the new campaign at home to newly promoted AFC Totton.

After bouncing back to Step 2 at the first time of asking through the Isthmian Premier play-offs, Jake Leberl’s side will be hoping to carry the momentum into a fresh start.

Pre-Season Recap

It’s been a mixed bag in terms of summer results for the Whites, but plenty of positives have emerged. We started July with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Faversham Town, before League 2 neighbours Gillingham edged us out in a narrow 1-0 defeat. That was followed by a resounding 6-0 victory over Deal Town. A professional 2-0 win followed in our fourth fixture, with a brace of goals seeing off our opponents. In the latter stages of pre-season, we shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Bracknell Town and were narrowly beaten 4-3 by local rivals Folkestone Invicta. But we signed off strongly, putting in an encouraging performance to defeat Margate 3-1 just one week before the league curtain-raiser.

AFC Totton

Our visitors today, AFC Totton, come into the division full of confidence after a dramatic play-off triumph last term. Having fallen just short in 2023/24 – losing the previous year’s final on penalties – the Stags were determined not to miss out again. After finishing second in the Southern League Premier South with 88 points, they mounted a stunning comeback in the play-off semi-finals, overturning a 2-0 deficit in stoppage time to beat Dorchester Town 4-3 after extra time. The ever-dangerous Charlie Austin scored the crucial winner that night, and he was again on the scoresheet in their 1-0 final victory over Gloucester City.

Manager Jimmy Ball has assembled a dangerous outfit with some real pedigree. Son of World Cup winner Alan Ball, Jimmy has coached at Forest Green Rovers, Portsmouth, and Stevenage, among others, and brings tactical nous and professionalism to the Hampshire club. Much like ourselves, Totton are not here to make up the numbers – and could prove a tough test for any side in this division.

From the Gaffer

Jake Leberl’s pre-match message to supporters is clear – the team is prepared, the squad is hungry, and the backing of the fans will again be vital this season.

“Pre-season has been a bit stop-start, but we’re happy with where we are. The new lads have settled in really well, and we’re pleased to have kept the core of last year’s group. The pitch is in great condition, and there’s a buzz around the place. We know the National League South is a big step up, but we’re here to compete and push forward. We’ll need your support again – so get behind the lads and let’s make this a season to remember.”

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming AFC Totton to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/

Megger Community Stadium. Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.

Admission  

Adults: £18
Concessions: £17
U18: £10
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Join us as we begin a brand new chapter, together.
Come on you Whites.

As preparations continue for the new National League South season, Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl has strengthened his backroom team with two key additions.

Chief Scout – Richard Bates

Rich Bates officially joined the club during the early weeks of last season, having already played a pivotal role in the club’s summer recruitment. With more than a decade of experience as a Chief Scout, Rich brings a wealth of knowledge and tactical insight. He has previously worked as a scout for England C under Paul Fairclough and has supported clubs across the football pyramid, from the Essex Senior League to the National League.

Rich spent five years with Bowers & Pitsea FC during their most successful era, helping them to promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division in 2019 and a historic run to the FA Cup First Round Proper in 2021. His work is focused on opposition analysis, tactical planning and recruitment. He splits his time between scouting upcoming opponents and being in the dugout on matchdays, working closely with Jake, Mike and the coaching team. He has also played an important role in developing the club’s official partnership with Chislehurst Glebe FC.

Coach – Lynden Dixon

Lynden Dixon has come on board ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, adding fresh energy and experience to the first-team setup. He previously spent four years coaching in Margate FC’s academy and youth structure and has delivered football and multi-sport programmes through Limitless Sports Coaching.

Alongside his football credentials, Lynden is Programme Director for Sport & Leisure at EKC Broadstairs College, combining educational leadership with practical coaching. His focus at Dover will be on individual player development both on and off the pitch.

Continuing in their roles this season are:

• Mike Sandmann – Assistant Manager
• Paul Hyde – Goalkeeper Coach
• Will Narramore – Physio
• Josh Swainsbury – Kit Manager

With the backroom team now in place, the Whites are well-equipped for the challenges ahead in the 2025/26 season.

Dover Athletic rounded off their pre-season campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over Margate at the Megger Community Stadium.

Alfie Matthews bagged a brace from the penalty spot and Max Fiddes added a late third, as the Whites put in a composed and confident performance just a week ahead of their National League South opener against AFC Totton.

It didn’t take long for the game to spark into life. Dover were on the front foot from the first whistle, with George Nikaj testing the Margate keeper inside five minutes. Alfie Matthews and Francis Mampolo both had efforts soon after, while at the other end, Louie Atkins fired straight at Jordan Gillmore in a rare early foray forward by the visitors.

Margate came closest to scoring in the first quarter of an hour through Walters, whose dipping strike from range forced a fine diving save from Gillmore. But it was the hosts who broke the deadlock on 27 minutes. Fuad Sesay was brought down in the area, and Matthews stepped up to calmly slot home the resulting penalty.

Dover nearly doubled their lead before the break, with Nikaj and Mampolo both going close—Mampolo even rounding the keeper but unable to convert from a tight angle. Then, against the run of play, Margate found an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. A loose ball fell to Walsh, who rifled home through a crowded box from the edge of the area.

Manager Jake Leberl made changes at the break and within two minutes of the restart, Dover were awarded another penalty—this time after Ryan Hanson was tripped in the box. Matthews kept his nerve to convert again, restoring Dover’s lead.

The tempo remained high after the goal, with Margate nearly levelling again through a dangerous low ball that flashed across goal. But it was Dover who looked the more threatening side as the game wore on, with Mampolo and captain Ruben Soares-Junior creating openings that just lacked a finish.

Wholesale changes around the 75-minute mark allowed fresh legs to take control of the final stages. Henry Lukombo made an instant impact down the left, delivering a pinpoint cross in the 82nd minute which Max Fiddes buried low into the bottom corner to seal the win.

There was still time for late drama, as a frustrated Margate player received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Fiddes just moments after the goal.

A positive end to pre-season for the Whites, who now turn their attention to next Saturday’s league curtain-raiser at Crabble.

Starting XI:
Jordan Gillmore (GK), Roman Charles-Cook, Fuad Sesay, Luca Cocoracchio, Joe Tennent, Jacob Mensah, Ryan Hanson, Alfie Matthews, George Nikaj, Francis Mampolo, Ruben Soares-Junior (c)

Substitutes:
Kenny Coker, Henry Lukombo, Jalen Jones, Harry Beadle, B Trialist, George Wilkinson, Decarrey Sheriff, Max Fiddes, Matty Holness

Fancy watching the Whites take on Totton in style? Of course you do.

The boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

• Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A three-course meal served at your table
• Reserved undercover premium padded seating
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
• Complimentary match day programme

The very special experience costs £32.50 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

Starter:

Pate served with Melba Toast and Salad Garnish

Main:

Roast Beef served with Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables and Gravy

Dessert:

Apple Tart served with Ice Cream

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Adam Birchall and his Arsenal Academy side have kindly donated a brand new Arsenal 25/26 Home Shirt after our friendly last week. Signed by Adam and his Premier League stars of the future we are pleased to make it available to bid on via auction to raise money for Dover Athletic Football Club.

To place a bid, please email george.cory@doverathletic.com, with bids to be made in £5 increments.

Regular updates will be provided to those that enter. Payment will be taken when the auction has finished. Shirt is new with tags, size large.

The deadline for bids is Sunday 27th July at 7pm.

Winning Bid: £425

Are you handy with a paintbrush, enjoy a bit of DIY, or just keen to help your local club stay looking its best? Dover Athletic is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist our Grounds Team – and we’d love to have you on board!

You’ll help our Groundsman prepare the stadium on matchdays, support with post-match clean-up on Mondays and Wednesdays, and carry out general maintenance tasks like painting, small repairs, litter picking, and keeping the ground tidy and welcoming throughout the season.

This could be an ideal role for someone retired, semi-retired, or anyone who’d like to give something back to the club.

While this is a voluntary position, you’ll receive a staff pass – giving you free entry to matches – and a meal on matchdays as a thank you for your time.

If you’re interested, please contact jim.parmenter@doverathletic.com or pop into the club office for a chat.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Dover Athletic – thank you for your support!

Dover Athletic 2-0 Arsenal U18s
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 19 July 2025
Megger Community Stadium, Crabble
Attendance: 1,351

Dover Athletic continued their pre-season preparations with a well-earned 2-0 win over Arsenal U18s at Crabble, in a match that saw former Whites hero Adam Birchall return to his old club as coach of the visiting side.

Birchall – remembered fondly by Dover supporters for scoring 45 goals in the 2010/11 season – brought a talented Arsenal U18 squad to Kent, including recent professional signings Khari Ranson and Louis Zecevic John, while schoolboy Angelinou Pedro started at centre-back. In the second half, Emerson Nwaneri – younger brother of Arsenal first-team prospect Ethan Nwaneri – also featured.

Dover named a strong starting XI featuring ex-Gunner Alfie Matthews, who came through Arsenal’s academy alongside Bukayo Saka. Matthews was lively from the off, forcing a save after just six minutes as the Whites made the early running.

The breakthrough came in the 15th minute. George Nikaj saw his initial strike cannon off the post, but Luke Baptiste was alert to fire home the rebound from close range to give the home side a deserved lead.

Dover maintained control throughout the first half. Matthews saw another effort saved following a clever free-kick routine, while Nikaj went close with a curling attempt just before the break. Arsenal’s best chance of the half saw goalkeeper Mitch Walker make an excellent save to punch clear from a dangerous attack shortly before the interval.

At half-time, Dover introduced new signings Jalen Jones and Mo Jallow, and began the second period brightly. Matthews nearly doubled the lead with a half-volley that flew inches wide after a pinpoint corner delivery.

Midway through the second half, Dover extended their advantage. Substitute Francis Mampolo won a penalty after being brought down inside the area. The winger calmly stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and put Dover 2-0 up.

Further substitutions disrupted the flow of the game, but the Whites continued to press for a third. Arsenal enjoyed more possession but were unable to break down a resolute Dover defence, with substitute goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, introduced late on, managing a quiet spell between the sticks.

In the closing stages, Dover saw out the game comfortably, with solid defending and composed possession frustrating their young visitors.

A solid workout for Jake Leberl’s side, who now look ahead to hosting Bracknell Town next Saturday.

Dover Athletic Starting XI:
Walker; Charles-Cook, Sesay, Hanson, Tennent, Beadle, Wilkinson, Matthews, Soares-Junior, Nikaj, Baptiste.
Subs Used: Lukombo, Jones, Boakye-Sarfo, Mensah, Jallow, Sheriff, Coker, Mampolo, Cocoracchio, Fiddes, Trialist.

Arsenal U18s XI:
Ranson, King, Onyekachukwu, Pedro, Ogunnaike, Murisa, Hashi, Marciniak, O’Neill, Zecevic John, Bailey Joseph.

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Next Fixture:
Dover Athletic vs Bracknell Town
Saturday 26 July 2025 3pm, Megger Community Stadium