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!”