Manager Andy Hessenthaler was a tough competitor in his playing days.

Those fans game enough to play against him and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble on Sunday will discover the Gaffer hasn’t lost his competitive spirit.

Hessenthaler’s squad of former Dover stars will take on two teams of supporters managed by Warren ‘Pep’ Dyer.

One of Dyer’s teams will play in the first half before the other plays in the second.

Hessenthaler, who will be the player/manager of his side,  said he was certainly up for the challenge.

“Friendly is it? I don’t know the meaning of that,” he laughed.

“Seriously though, we’re all really looking forward to the day – it should be a great one with some of the greatest names to have played for the club returning to what was familiar territory during their playing days.

“It’s fantastic that all these lads are coming back to support the club when we need it.

“What is important is that it continues to help engage us as a football club back into the community and the community back into the football club.

“To build those close relationships is really important. The importance of a football club on its community is massive, it’s huge and something I believe in.

“I look forward to seeing as many fans, both old and new, as possible on Sunday.”

You can see the message Hessenthaler sent to his fans counterpart Warren Dyer and his players Hess message