By JUSTIN ALLEN
JAKE LEBERL has issued a rallying cry to the White Army faithful and declared his squad is raring to go for the new season.
Sitting down for a chat with the club’s DAFCtv YouTube channel, Jake focused heavily on building stability and unity for the National League South campaign ahead.
While acknowledging the division presents a tough test, Leberl insists his young squad has the hunger, drive and platform to move forward together.
The boss said: “We really appreciate how difficult it’s going to be. It’s second-season syndrome after going up last summer. But we’re more than up for the challenge and up for the fight.”
It has been a busy summer of change at Crabble, with fans seeing key players George Nikaj, Ryan Hanson, and Luca Cocoracchio depart the club despite being offered new deals.
Cocoracchio chose to move closer to home due to travel while midfield engine Hanson opted for a switch to local rivals Maidstone United.
Leberl admitted: “Of course you are disappointed because a lot of work goes into what we do here. All three of them were a big part of it.
“Hanson was a little bit disappointing. We thought we were going to retain him. But he felt it was his last opportunity for full-time football and wanted to give it a go.”
On academy product Nikaj’s move, Leberl said: “I think he needed the change. I’m just a little bit disappointed that he didn’t get levels above this. I felt it was a sideways move for him.”
However, Leberl insists that helping talent progress into the full-time game is exactly what the Dover Athletic model is about.
The Whites have earned a strong reputation as a launchpad for ambitious young stars looking to rebuild their careers.
And the gaffer revealed: “Ultimately, this is our remit and our ethos here. We want to give boys opportunities to progress into full-time.
“We’re at a stage now where boys want to come here and want to play because they know it’s a platform.”
The management team has already moved swiftly to reinforce the squad with hungry talent.
Three exciting signings have already put pen to paper to inject fresh energy into the side — midfielder Euan Williams, defender Nazir Bakrin and striker Kola Salami.
Leberl said: “Kola’s got blistering pace — something that is difficult to mark. He was desperate to have the step up and the opportunity.”
The headline arrival is former Gillingham playmaker Williams, who joins on a one-year deal determined to put past injury setbacks behind him.
Leberl added: “We haven’t signed an injured player. He’s a huge talent. If we get him on the pitch, I don’t imagine he’ll be here that long, if I’m honest.”
Dover will report back for pre-season training on June 30 with seven home friendlies lined up to get Crabble rocking ahead of the big kick-off.
And Leberl has urged the Whites faithful to pack out the stadium and get fully behind the squad to create a positive, united environment.
He said: “Since we’ve been in, we’ve scored a lot of goals and we’re going to continue to play on the front foot.
“So all we ask for really is a bit of patience, a bit of positivity.
“We just urge the fans to get behind us, get behind the boys, and create an atmosphere. Bring up friends, see if we can get better numbers, and have another right go at it.”