Dover Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce that Luke Baptiste has agreed terms to remain at the Megger Community Stadium for the 2026/27 season.

A product of the Dover Athletic Academy, Luke made his first-team debut during the 2021/22 season in the National League and has since gone on to become a key part of the Whites’ squad.

He made 40 appearances last season and is now closing in on 200 competitive appearances for the club, underlining his continued importance and consistency in a Dover shirt.

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Luke 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 reveal our new VX3 kits for the 2026/27 season.

This year’s range includes our new home shirt, away shirt and two goalkeeper shirts, alongside a selection of new merchandise including bucket hats.

The 2026/27 home shirt keeps Dover’s traditional black and white identity at its heart, with a bold black body, clean white central panel and smart purple detailing throughout. The shirt features a classic collar, purple trim and a subtle tonal pattern running through the front panel, giving a modern twist to a recognisably Dover look.

The away shirt brings a much bolder colourway for the new campaign, with a striking purple base, bright green collar, sleeve trim and sponsor detailing. It also carries a subtle patterned finish through the fabric, creating a fresh and vibrant look for life on the road.

Our goalkeeper range features two standout designs. The home goalkeeper shirt comes in a grey base with a bold geometric front pattern in blue, yellow, red and orange, finished with black collar and sleeve detailing. The away goalkeeper shirt offers a bright pink design with black trim and a subtle tonal pattern across the shirt.

The new shirts will be available to purchase online at dafcdirect.com, with the club shop also opening this week for supporters who want to get their hands on the new kit first.

Gill will be opening the club shop on Friday from 5pm-7pm and again on Saturday from 9am-11am.

Please note that online collection orders will not be available to collect until Monday.

A huge thank you to VX3 for their continued support and work on this season’s range, and to Megger, our front of shirt sponsors.

We can’t wait to see the Dover faithful wearing the new colours throughout the 2026/27 campaign.

Adult shirt – £49
Kids shirt – £39

Order now: https://www.dafcdirect.com/

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of defensive midfielder Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 24-year-old joins the Whites after an impressive campaign with Cheshunt, where he made 41 appearances and scored eight goals during the 2025/26 season.

Wilson-Braithwaite originally signed for Cheshunt in January during the 2024/25 campaign before becoming a regular figure in their side last season, adding both defensive strength and a threat in the opposition box.

A commanding defender with good experience at Isthmian Premier level, Wilson-Braithwaite has also represented Hastings United, as well as Bedford Town, Royston Town and Enfield Town.

During the 2021/22 season, he featured for both Potters Bar Town and Carshalton Athletic in the Pitching In Isthmian Premier, finishing the campaign with the Robins.

Earlier in his career, Wilson-Braithwaite spent three years in the Tottenham Hotspur Academy between the ages of 12 and 15 before continuing his development with Luton Town.

Everyone at Dover Athletic would like to welcome Dequane to Crabble and wish him every success in a Dover shirt.

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 Dequane 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 announce the signing of defender John Oyenuga ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The experienced full-back returns to Crabble having previously enjoyed a successful spell with the Whites during the 2023/24 campaign, where he made 38 National League South appearances and was voted the club’s Player of the Season.

Now 31, Oyenuga brings a wealth of experience at this level, having represented clubs including Walton & Hersham, Westfield, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Eastleigh, Hendon, Enfield Town and Farnborough.

In 24/25 he played his part in helping Enfield Town secure National League South survival before returning to Farnborough for the 2025/26 campaign.

A pacey, reliable and committed full-back, Oyenuga is well known to supporters for his energy, consistency and positive character both on and off the pitch. During his time at Farnborough, he became a firm favourite with the Boro faithful, helping the club to promotions in 2015/16 and 2021/22 and winning their Supporters’ Player of the Season award in 2021/22.

Everyone at Dover Athletic would like to welcome John back to Crabble and wish him every success in the season ahead.

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 John 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 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.