Dover Athletic head 9 miles down the road to local rivals Folkestone Invicta for a big derby day on Bonfire Night. Whites aim to get revenge and local bragging rights in this reverse fixture, after Folkestone won 2-3 at Crabble earlier in the season.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Potters Bar Town at the Megger Community Stadium. Ruben Soares-Junior opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing a cross from Luke Baptiste. Alfie Matthews doubled Dover’s lead in the 26th minute with a clinical counterattack goal. Despite Potters Bar’s attempts, Dover’s defence, held firm. Francis Mampolo capped the win in stoppage time with a composed finish. Dover’s strong performance secures them three valuable points as they sit top of the Isthmian League standings.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“Saturday’s win sets us up nicely for Tuesday. Obviously, it’s going to be a fantastic affair. A big local Derby at Folkstone. I was really disappointed with the game here at Crabble, regarding the result, but thought we played very well. Obviously, we’re in good form, good spirits, and we look forward to going into the next game.”

Folkestone Invicta

Folkestone are currently positioned 13th in the table with 15 points from 12 games. Their record includes 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. At home, they have managed 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses, while away, they have secured 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 16, giving them a goal difference of -1.

On Saturday, Folkestone Invicta suffered a 2-1 loss against Carshalton Athletic, despite an early lead. Folkestone’s Daniel Smith opened the scoring within ten minutes, heading in his tenth goal of the season from a well-placed set-piece. However, Carshalton quickly responded, pushing for an equaliser. The Robins dominated possession and applied relentless pressure, narrowly missing multiple opportunities to level the score before halftime.

In the second half, Carshalton’s persistence paid off when Mason Saunders-Henry scored the equaliser, capitalising on a deflected corner. The comeback was completed nine minutes from full time, with debutant David Smith (and former Folkestone bagsman) tapping in from close range after a well-worked build-up. Despite late pressure from Folkestone, including a last-minute shot that hit the crossbar, Carshalton held firm to secure all three points.

Last 6

02/11 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
26/10 – Barton Rovers (A) – Won 3-0 (FA Trophy)
19/10 – Canvey Island (A) – Won 1-0
12/10 – Hashtag United (H) – Drew 1-1
05/10 – Ascot United (H) – Won 8-1 (FA Trophy)
28/09 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 1-2

The Venue

From Folkestone Invicta:

While we strongly advise supporters to purchase their tickets in advance, the fixture is not an all ticket fixture. Supporters will be able to pay on the gate on the night.

There are currently no plans to segregate the fixture. Both sets of supporters will be able to enter via either The Dugout or the Sid Burvill turnstiles.

Supporters are now able to purchase a copy of our matchday programme online via our ticket shop. Programmes can be added to your cart without the need to purchase a ticket for those who already have a ticket for the fixture. Arrangements for supporters to collect their pre-purchased programmes will be communicated at a later date.

Our security staff attended the reverse fixture at Crabble Athletic Ground in August and will be working closely with Dover Athletic’s own security staff.

Risk supporters will be identified and will not be permitted entry to the stadium.

Our security team will be on hand throughout the match to ensure all spectators are able to enjoy a trouble free evening.

Any supporters with enquiries or seeking assistance with ticketing issues can contact our team on [email protected]

Admission  

Adult (18-59) £12.00
Concession (60+) £9.00
Concession (Blue Lights Card Holder) £9.00
Concession (Disabled+Carer) £9.00
Concession (Student) £9.00
Young Adult (13-17) £6.00
Child (Under 12) FREE

Tickets available to purchase here: https://folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk/2024/10/ticketing-update-dover-athletic/

In a dominant display at the Megger Community Stadium, Dover Athletic continued their strong form with a 3-0 victory over Potters Bar Town in front of a crowd of 742. With an early lead and solid defence, Dover took control from the outset, securing a valuable three points in the Isthmian League – Premier Division.

Dover came out firing, creating early chances with Wilkinson’s shot just over the bar in the 4th minute. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Ruben Soares-Junior expertly finished a cross from Luke Baptiste, putting Dover ahead 1-0. Just over ten minutes later, Dover doubled their advantage with a brilliant counterattack, Wilkinson setting up Alfie Matthews, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2-0.

Despite a couple of close calls for Potters Bar, Dover’s defence, marshaled by captain Mitch Walker in goal, held strong. The Whites maintained their two-goal lead heading into the break, looking the better side and more likely to extend their lead.

Dover continued to press forward in the second half, with Potters Bar rarely testing Walker. Multiple chances fell Dover’s way, with Mampolo having several opportunities to add to the scoreline but unable to beat the keeper. Baptiste also had a close-range effort blocked, while Soares-Junior fired a late shot just over the bar.

Just when it seemed Dover might settle for a 2-0 win, Francis Mampolo delivered the final blow in the 90+5 minute with a composed finish, wrapping up the game at 3-0. With this win, Dover continue their push at the top of the Isthmian League standings, with plenty of momentum heading into the next fixture against rivals, Folkestone Invicta.

Dover Athletic: 1. Mitch Walker (C), 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 16. Harrison Pont, 23. George Wilkinson SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo, 26. Jacob Mensah.

Potters Bar Town: 1. Laurie Shala, 2. Ben Ward-Cochrane, 3. Prosper Keto, 4. Ryan Hervel, 5. Rickie Hayles, 6. Ronnie Henry (C), 7. Joe Re, 8. Nana Kyei, 9. Brandon Adams, 10. Steve Cawley, 11. David Hicks SUBS: 12. Chaynie Face-Burgin, 14. Harry Brant, 15. Jamie Dicks, 16. Ola Williams, 17. Max Jessop.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 742
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Joseph Dann-Pye
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic welcome Potters Bar Town to The Megger Community Stadium in the Isthmian Premier Division as we look to continue our time at the top of the table. This is the first of this season’s reverse fixtures after facing The Scholars in the opening game of the season, beating them 0-8.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic triumphed 3-1 over Cray Valley PM in the Kent Senior Cup Second Round at the Megger Community Stadium. Dover opened scoring through Gyebi’s header in the 20th minute, with Cray’s Anau equalising just before halftime. Amgbaduba’s penalty early in the second half restored Dover’s lead, and Nikaj sealed the win with a late 90th-minute goal.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“It’s going to be an extremely tough game. You have to be impressed with what they’ve done since our first game against them. It’s difficult to come back from an eight-nil on the first game of the season, but fair play to them. They’ve done particularly well and they’re going to be really up for it on Saturday, so we’re going to have to be at our best. It’s going to be a very, very different game to the first game of the season. Tuesday’s result keeps for a little bit of momentum, which is important, and we look forward to Saturday.”

Potters Bar Town

Potters Bar Town currently sits in 6th place in the Isthmian Premier league, having accumulated 19 points from 10 games. Their overall record is strong, with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. With 16 goals scored and 16 conceded overall, they have a neutral goal difference but have consistently gathered points to remain within striking distance of the top spots.

On Saturday, Potters Bar Town suffered a 2-0 defeat against the Southern League’s Waders in the FA Trophy, a performance that disappointed manager Max Mitchell. Mitchell acknowledged the team’s passivity, poor execution, and lack of aggression, factors that allowed the Waders to take control early. Goals by Ryan Doherty and Eddie Panter put the hosts ahead by halftime, and despite improvements in the second half, the Scholars couldn’t mount a comeback.

Manager Max Mitchell was given the role of manager at the club in March 2023, and has taken standard of the club to new heights since his arrival. Mitchell had a very successful tenure in charge of Welwyn Garden City before leaving for the Scholars, and his 15th placed finish last term with a very impressive run around Christmas time, showed promising signs for Bar. Mitchell has also managed the likes of Walthamstow, Hertford and St Margaretsbury.

Last 5

26/10 – Biggleswade Town (A) – Lost 0-2 (FA Trophy)
22/10 – Cheshunt (A) – Lost 1-1 (2-4 on penalties) (Alan Turvey Trophy)
19/10 – Chatham Town (A) – Drew 2-2
12/10 – Cheshunt (A) – Won 1-0
05/10 – Whitehawk (H) – Won 2-1 (FA Trophy)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Potters Bar 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: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

In a Kent Senior Cup Second Round showdown at the Megger Community Stadium, Dover Athletic emerged victorious, defeating Cray Valley PM 3-1 in front of 253.

Dover started with early pressure, with an incisive corner from Cray Valley requiring a strong defensive clearance just four minutes in. Mampolo and Charles-Cook both had promising chances, testing Cray Valley’s defense and goalkeeper Oliver Pain, who made a crucial save with his legs to keep Dover at bay.

However, in the 20th minute, Dover broke the deadlock. A well-placed cross from Mampolo found Jeremiah Gyebi, who expertly headed home to put the hosts 1-0 up. The game took a turn as Cray Valley’s keeper Pain suffered a head injury during the goal, forcing midfielder Tom Beere to step into goal in an emergency substitution, as Cray had no substitute keeper on the bench.

Despite Beere’s inexperience in goal, Cray rallied, and in the 34th minute, Julien Anau found the net, leveling the score at 1-1. This setback didn’t deter Dover, as they continued to press forward, though they couldn’t capitalise before halftime, going into the break on level terms.

Dover wasted no time in the second half. Mampolo won a penalty in the 47th minute, and Eniye Amgbaduba stepped up, coolly converting to make it 2-1. Cray responded with renewed intensity, nearly equalising moments later when a dangerous scramble saw the ball strike the crossbar.

As Cray pushed forward, Dover’s defense remained firm, and goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo made several key saves. An energetic Cray, led by a skillful Anau, came close to equalising again in the 72nd minute, but his shot sailed narrowly wide.

Dover wrapped up the win in the 90th minute when George Nikaj broke through Cray’s defense to seal the game with a well-taken goal, bringing the score to 3-1.

Late on, Dover introduced fresh legs, bringing on young academy players Jake McCarthy, Tristan Holden, and Jed Dennis to see out the game. The trio added energy and composure, maintaining Dover’s lead as they closed out the final moments of the match.

With a 3-1 win, Dover Athletic advance to the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Cup, where they’ll face Deal Town. Dover are back in league action against Potters Bar Town on Saturday.

Kent Senior Cup Second Round
Attendance: 253
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Benjamin McDonald
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 2. Matty Holness, 3. Fuad Sesay, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi (C), 6. Jacob Mensah, 7. Roman Charles-Cook, 8. Henry Young, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 11. Francis Mampolo, 14. George Wilkinson, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba SUBS: 12. Jake McCarthy, 16. Tristan Holden, 17. Luke Baptiste, 10. George Nikaj, 20. Jed Dennis.

Cray Valley PM: 30. Oliver Pain, 3. Elliott McKimm, 6. Ali Cem Tumkaya, 8. Sonny Black, 10. Adam Coombes (C), 11. Michael Ademiluyi, 12. Julien Anau, 15. Andre Coker, 17. Malachy Turner, 20. Lyle Della-Verde, 25. Malik Sesay SUBS: 5. Mohammed Idris Oshilaja, 9. Freddie Parker, 19. Clement Asiedu, 21. Fumnaya Shomotun, 24. Tom Beere.

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Jacob Mensah. Jacob, who really needs no introduction, made 34 National League South appearances with The Whites last season. Jacob spent the start of this season with Welling, playing 6 times in their league campaign before being released by Rod Stringer.

The 24-year old began his career with Ramsgate as a 16-year-old, wracking up over 70 appearances as a teen and attracting the attention of Crystal Palace.

A move to Selhurst Park in 2019 saw Mensah represent the Eagles’ U23s for 18 months, before he joined Weymouth in the National League in January 2021.

Spells with Morecambe, Maidstone United and Torquay United followed before he linked up with Dover Athletic last term.

Welcome back to Crabble, Jacob.

Dover Athletic enter the Kent Senior Cup as we welcome fellow Isthmian Premier Division side Cray Valley Paper Mills to The Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic exited the Isuzu FA Trophy with a 2-0 defeat to Sittingbourne. After a bright start, Dover’s momentum was disrupted when Roman Charles-Cook received a red card in the 15th minute, leaving them with ten men. Sittingbourne capitalised, with Mitchell May scoring in the 38th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime. Despite several chances for an equaliser, including Nikaj hitting the post, Dover couldn’t break through. Sittingbourne sealed the win in the 78th minute with a free-kick from Codey Cosgrave, ending Dover’s cup run in front of 658 fans.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) and Mitch Walker (knee) remain unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“I think it’s important to obviously give the boys that haven’t been getting lots of minutes an opportunity to show what they can do in this game. It’s another game and we are looking forward to it. It gives us an opportunity to get Saturday’s result out of the way, straight away, which is a good thing because obviously we’re all very frustrated.”

Cray Valley Paper Mills

On Saturday, our visitors were also knocked out of the Trophy away to Brentwood Town in a dramatic 4-3 victory. Brentwood started fast with goals from Cripps (2′) and Nzengo (6′), but Cray quickly responded through Waldren (7′). Olukolu extended Brentwood’s lead before Cray’s Parker and Shomotun scored before halftime to make it 3-3. The match looked set for penalties until Brentwood’s Aarons-Royal struck in the 94th minute, sealing the win. Cray’s late push wasn’t enough, and Brentwood progressed to the next round in front of 429 spectators.

Cray Valley (PM) currently sit in 5th place in the Isthmian Premier Division table with 20 points from 11 matches. 6 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, having scored 19 goals and conceded 15. They’re just three points behind the league leaders (Dover Athletic).

Last 6

26/10 – Brentwood Town (A) – Lost 4-3 (FA Trophy)
23/10 – Sevenoaks Town (A) – Won 4-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy)
19/10 – Bognor Regis Town (A) – Won 3-2
12/10 – Chichester City (H) – Won 2-1
08/10 – Canvey Island (A) – Drew 4-4
05/10 – Ramsgate (A) – Won 3-1 (FA Trophy)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Cray Valley PM 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  

Cup tie, all must pay.

Adults: £10
U18: £8
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Dover Athletic’s FA Trophy campaign came to an early end after a 2-0 defeat to Sittingbourne in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round at the Megger Community Stadium. The home side, reduced to ten men early on, struggled to overcome the numerical disadvantage and ultimately fell to two goals from their Kent visitors.

Dover made one change from their midweek victory against Hashtag United, with Claudio Boakye-Sarfo stepping in as goalkeeper for the injured Mitch Walker. However, it was the red card to Roman Charles-Cook in the 15th minute that set the tone for a frustrating afternoon. Charles-Cook was dismissed for a challenge, leaving Dover with a mountain to climb after a promising start.

The hosts began brightly, pressing high and testing the Sittingbourne defense. George Nikaj had the first real chance of the match in the 12th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved. Despite the early pressure, Dover’s momentum was disrupted by the red card, and Sittingbourne capitalised.

In the 38th minute, Sittingbourne took the lead when Mitchell May found the back of the net, finishing off a well-worked move. Dover nearly equalised just before halftime, but Nikaj saw his shot cleared off the line following a corner, leaving the hosts trailing 1-0 at the break.

The second half began with more frustration for Dover as assistant manager Mike Sandmann was shown a red card during the interval. Dover continued to fight, with Nikaj and Baptiste both coming close to leveling the score, but Sittingbourne’s defense held firm.

As Dover pushed for an equaliser, they were caught out again in the 78th minute. Codey Cosgrave’s free-kick doubled Sittingbourne’s lead, putting the game out of reach for the ten-man Dover side. Despite their best efforts, including a header from Soares-Junior that hit the crossbar, the home side couldn’t find a way back into the match.

Sittingbourne were too much for a Dover team that had shown spirit but were ultimately undone by the early sending-off and missed opportunities. Dover will now look to bounce back in their next fixture, a Kent Senior Cup clash against Cray Valley PM, but they will need to regroup after this disappointing exit from the FA Trophy.

Dover Athletic 0-2 Sittingbourne
Mitchell May (38′) Codey Cosgrave (78′)

Isuzu FA Trophy First Round
Attendance: 658
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Daniel D’urso

Dover Athletic: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent (C), 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 16. Harrison Pont, 23. George Wilkinson. Subs: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo.

Sittingbourne: 1. Harley Earle, 2. Donvieve Jones, 3. Henry Lukombo, 4. Ayman El-Mogharbel, 5. Liam Smith (C), 6. Chris Arthur, 7. Troy Howard, 8. Codey Cosgrave, 9. Mitchell May, 10. Ryan Kingsford, 11. Jay Beckford. Subs: 12. Graham Bagasan, 14. Jack Steventon, 15. Henry Sinai, 16. Joe Boachie, 17. Tony Martin.

Watch it here – https://youtu.be/azG1p7qWZ9Q

Dover Athletic playmaker Alfie Matthews talks to Justin Allen about Hashtag United, going top of the table, his own form, how the team are evolving, the community day and seeking revenge over Sittingbourne

Dover Athletic continue a run of four straight home matches as we welcome promotion-chasing Isthmian South East side Sittingbourne to The Megger Community Stadium in the FA Trophy First Round as we aim to extend our four-match unbeaten run.

We enter the First Round after a comfortable 3-0 win over Cheshunt. This will be the third time we play Sittingbourne this season after our two games in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic moved to the top of the Isthmian Premier Division with a 4-2 win over Hashtag United in front of their largest crowd since 2017. Goals from Alfie Matthews, Harrison Pont, Luke Baptiste, and George Nikaj sealed the victory. Matthews struck early, with Hashtag’s Sakariya Hassan equalizing in the 19th minute. Pont’s long-range strike restored Dover’s lead, and Baptiste added a third before halftime. Nikaj’s stunning goal in the 85th minute confirmed the win, despite a late consolation from Max Cornhill. Dover’s victory keeps them in excellent form ahead of their FA Trophy match.

Kieron Agbebi (foot) remains unavailable with injury.

From the Manager

“We’ve got a weeks rest now from the league where we go into the trophy. Obviously, we need to try and get our revenge on Sittingbourne, it’s going to be a tough game. We know all about them now and I think it will be very tight. Teams come to Crabble and raise their game, we’re really disappointed to have gone out to them in the FA Cup and we really hope we can sort of put that to bed and progress in the trophy.”

Sittingbourne FC

On Saturday, Sittingbourne faced off against a struggling Hythe Town at The Staxson Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Hythe were missing one of their key players, former Brickie Lex Allan, due to suspension. In a dominant, one-sided match, Sittingbourne cruised to a 6-0 victory, moving them up to fourth place in the league table.

Mitchell May was the star of the show, netting four goals. He scored twice within eight minutes midway through the first half and completed his hat-trick after Donvieve Jones had extended Sittingbourne’s lead to 3-0. May added his fourth early in the second half, and Ryan Kingsford rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, sealing Hythe’s sixth consecutive league defeat.

Last 6

19/10 – Hythe Town (H) – Won 6-0
16/10 – Sevenoaks Town (A) – Drew 1-1
12/10 – Beckenham Town (A) – Drew 2-2
08/10 – Deal Town (A) – Won 3-2
05/10 – Bognor Regis Town (H) – Won 2-1 (FA Trophy)
28/09 – Plymouth Parkway (H) – Lost 0-3 (FA Cup)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Sittingbourne 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  

Cup tie, all must pay.

Adults: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

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

Interview by Pat Verrill

Paul Hyde is a man that needs little introduction to Dover supporters after 8 years and 350 appearances with the Whites. Before joining Dover, Paul played for Wycombe Wanderers, Leicester City and Leyton Orient to name a few. Here we spoke about his career in the game including his role back at the club he loves.

Hi Paul thank you for you time. How happy are you to be back at Dover and how did it come about?

I’m delighted to be back at Dover. It was the last big club that I played for over a span of eight years, 350 appearances, good memories and some very bad managers. The manager you have now is a very good young manager with a good coach and backroom staff. Jake invited me back to help work with the goalkeepers and to be around as an old head to advise if needed!

We’re delighted to have you back Paul! You played alongside Jake during your time with Dover, did he always stand out as one you thought may go on to be a manager? You’ve already spoken highly of him, what do you like most about his managerial style?

Thank you very much. That’s lovely to hear. Jake played a big part in the Bill Williams team, he was confident, vocal, understanding, passionate and could play the game of football. If I remember rightly it was my decision to pass over the captaincy to him as even then I could see the players responded in the right manner to what he had to say and his opinions. He is levelheaded and as honest as a manager as he was a player, he’s a top bloke all round.

It isn’t just Dover where you’ve made a lasting impression, you also played for Wycombe Wanderers during your career winning at Wembley twice in two seasons. How did that feel?

When I was a boy my dream of playing at Wembley was always in my mind, as it was to become a professional footballer. To actually play at Wembley for Wycombe in the FA trophy final of the non-league FA Cup was everything to me. To experience the journey from the changing room up the slope of the old Wembley Stadium and the long walk to the centre of the pitch, it was the longest walk I’ve ever done. That year we gained promotion to league two as well as winning the FA Trophy final at Wembley. Next season we played Preston in the playoff finals at Wembley, we’d only been promoted the season before so to experience Wembley again was an incredible experience for me personally. We won the game and made it two promotions in two seasons, those are games that I will always remember.

After you left Wycombe you joined Leicester City, how did that move happen?

Martin O’Neill was my manager at Wycombe, he’d left to move to Leicester and I followed six months later. It was a fantastic experience and a great achievement to make it to that level but if I’m at a football club I want to be number one, sitting on a bench isn’t for me.

You left to move to Leyton Orient and get back to being a number one, how was your time there?

I loved it. It’s a wonderful, traditional London club with an incredible stadium. My time there was amazing but it will be tainted by the leg break I suffered.

Did you realise how bad the leg break was at the time?

I knew he’d broken my leg put it that way! I even screamed at him to get off me telling him he’d broken it. When I was told I wouldn’t be able to play professionally again I was heartbroken.

How did you get back to playing after being told it wasn’t possible?

I got angry. I wasn’t being told by anyone else what my body could do, I decided that I would let my body tell me when to give up and I wasn’t ready for that.

Then a phone call came from Dover, how did that feel at the time?

A dream came true, genuinely. Bill Williams rang me and said that he wanted me to join, I was elated. I had every intention of being a coach for the current number one and being a back up to him too. Bill soon saw that I was still more than capable and he wanted me as number one, after such a bad leg break to have that confidence placed in me was such a relief. I couldn’t be anymore grateful for that phone call. At the same time Bill had given my number to a contact at Gillingham and I began coaching there, working alongside Peter Taylor who is a lovely man. I really enjoyed my coaching there, working alongside Vince Bartram and bringing Jason Brown to the club. After being in such a low place after what happened at Orient to coaching and playing again, I couldn’t have been happier.

And now you’re back at Crabble but now on the coaching staff. Whats it been like being a coach to Mitch and Claudio?

Both keepers are honest and good fun. Mitch is a seasoned pro as we’ve discussed he’s too old in the tooth to learn new tricks but he’s happy that I’m there to talk train and be around. He’s a fantastic pro, great athlete and a genuinely lovely bloke for Claudio he’s funny, enthusiastic and brings a little bit of fun to a training session!

What do you think has changed about goalkeeping since your playing days?

My opinion is that its changed quite a lot. Goalkeepers have become more like outfield players using their feet for distribution and massively playing out from the back. It also has brought something to the game that I don’t like, goalkeepers reject trying to catch the ball to keep possession in favour of two hand punching the ball back into play giving the opposition a second bite at the cherry, obviously all situations dictate what choice you make but very seldom do they elect and trust their hands.

You said after leaving Dover in 2004 that you were disappointed with football, what made you feel that way?

I left in 2008 but my best form was 2000 to 2004 the conference days with Bill Williams who I rated very highly. Him leaving came with darker days where relegation took hold year after year, I felt disillusioned. The fact that the new managers in place saw me as a threat to their managerial career rather than accepting the fact I was a good goalkeeper that loved to play for Dover, ruined my time towards the end. This happened with two or three of the managers in that time. I was put on gardening leave and I was called back on a few occasions to try and help Stave off relegation which was also heartbreaking.

That must have been so difficult at the time. It must feel great then to be back at Dover now albeit in a different capacity? Knowing your time at Dover doesn’t end on a sour note

Correct it was a sad time back then, Managers made these decisions to push me out of the club entirely, it hurt a lot. You must understand there is always questions why someone leaves but unfortunately I was never there to be able to explain why and some rumours may have appeared that I was a troublemaker, I can assure you this is not the case. I was very understanding of the managers decisions but it baffled me why the managers made these decisions. I went along with the managers decisions without question as a professional that I am. Its nice to come back and be remembered for the player I was and it’s nice to come back and people now realise the person I really am, in a different capacity at the club but missing my playing days massively! But I am really enjoying working with Jake,Mike and all the staff.

What are your personal ambitions for the season and do you hope to stay involved with Dover for the foreseeable future?

I would love to see the team; Jim, Jake, Mike and staff achieve their goal and be a helpful part of the team that puts Dover back into a more realistic league for the quality of the ground and huge support we have. I hope to be able to stay and to help move the club forward in any capacity. If not I will always be around to support them.

Thanks Paul