*BS*OLLY SCHULZ jumped at the chance of signing for Dover when Andy Hessenthaler came knocking.
*BF*The highly-rated central defender, 22, raised his eyebrows, like most of the non-league football world, when Hess agreed to take over as Dover boss last May.
And Olly was so impressed with how he guided Whites to such an emphatic title win this season and the plans he has to take the club back to the Blue Square Premier it was a no-brainer to join when he became one of Hess’s top transfer targets. He said: “Hess has done a superb job and got a big reputation. Him and Darren Hare have very impressive managerial and coaching crudentials and have big plans for the future. I want to be a part of that.
“I am an ambitious player and want to be at a higher level. As much as I loved my time at Ramsgate, and I made many friends there, Dover are a bigger club who are more equipped to climb the leagues. Hopefully they will be coming up the leagues with me. That really was the main reason why I’ve decided to come over to Dover. They match my ambitions.
“You only have to look around the ground to see that the set-up is in place. I spoke to the chairmam Jim Parmenter and he told me about the club’s plans – and how they’re building a new clubhouse and stuff. Clearly the club are making progress off-the-pitch as well as on it.”
Olly played in the Rams’ Ryman One title-winning side two years ago – and says the gap between the two levels is nothing to get worried about for the Whites.
Clearly a confident lad, Olly even states there are no strikers in the Premier Division that give him sleepless nights.
He said: “Only the Staines striker, Mark Nwokeji, has given me a few problems, but apart from that no-one scares me in the Premier Division. I am looking forward to the new season and improving my skills as a defender under Hess and Darren Hare.
“The professionalism is higher in the Premier, teams are better organised – but I think that is not going to be a problem for Dover.
“I am sure we’ll be right up towards the top of the table competing for promotion. As far as I’m concerned, we’re planning to build a side for the Conference – and I can’t wait for the action to start.”
Olly is delighted to be joining along with Rams team-mates Dean Hill and Sam Jones.
He said: “It makes it easier when you know a couple of the lads already at a new club.
“I also know Clokey (Craig Cloke) from youth football and he’s always been a good player. I’ve heard lots of good things about the keeper John Whitehouse and I know Laurence Ball from when he was at Ramsgate, so the defence is going to be good, I hope.
“The other players all sounds class too. I think we’re going to be a strong side.”
And fans are sure to already be dreaming up chants for the likeable Olly …. perhaps “Olly, Olly, Olly, Olly, Olly …. Olly …!!” to the famous “Ole Ole Ole!” ditty!
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