By JUSTIN ALLEN
DECARREY SHERIFF has issued a sizzling promise to the Crabble faithful ahead of the new campaign — MORE goals and MORE assists.
The exciting forward has officially put pen to paper on a fresh deal to remain with the Whites for another year.
And Sheriff, 28, insists he is ready to explode after an injury-hit first season at the club.
He said: “Now it’s time to really go out there and let the shackles off now.
“Now I have to really show the fans what I’m about.
“It’s easier said than done. I need to go and do it on the pitch.”
Sheriff joined Dover last summer and instantly fell in love with the community atmosphere around Kent.
He admitted re-signing was a “no-brainer” because the tight-knit dressing room feels just like home.
The Whites ace said: “These are important years for me now. I’m 28 now.
“Obviously going into the season and midway through the season, I’ll be 29.
“Yeah, I feel like a veteran now, to be honest — and want to help the team.”
Dover had a rollercoaster first season back in the National League South. After a promising start that even saw the team in and around the play-off spots, a late season dip saw them finish fifth bottom.
Although they were always comfortably clear of any relegation danger.
Sheriff said: “The boys done well in step three the season before and jump back into this league with some so-called big hitters that spend quite a bit.
“And we’ve put some good performance against good teams here, home and away, against some top teams.”
The forward revealed that manager Jake Leberl is working hard to fix the team’s inconsistency.
He claims improving game management is the absolute key to climbing up the table.
Sheriff explained: “What I’ve learned is we need to be better game management.
“We need to, as a whole, be more sharper in games in the beginning and just stay, game management, really just stay tight in games when it’s a bit difficult.
“I feel like we let loose in a lot of games.”
Fans do not always see the incredible bond built away from matchdays.
Sheriff praised the squad dynamic and the support of the management staff.
He said: “The dynamic in the changing room is brilliant. I wouldn’t change anything for that. It’s very lively.
“Through good and bad moments, there’s no real trouble where there’s people distancing themselves.
“Everyone’s together as a group. There’s no small groups. Everyone’s really together.”
He added: “We obviously engage in team nights out when suitable, when we’re allowed to and things like this.
“And I feel like this is what brings us closer to perform on the pitch.”
Every elite striker faces criticism when they fluff their lines in front of goal.
But Sheriff relies on his experience to brush off any frustration.
He revealed: “If I miss a chance, I think I’ve grown up now and I have enough experience now to kind of put it behind me.
“As soon as I leave the changing room and I go in the clubhouse to meet the fans, it’s about them. They’ve been brilliant to me.”
With striker George Nikaj departing the club, the pressure is on to find firepower.
But the frontman welcomes the challenge of extra responsibility.
He said: “We need to add more bodies. We need to add more hungry people that want to score goals.
“And I feel like that will be the difference.”
Before jetting off to Italy for a short break to see his son, Sheriff left a message.
He urged the fanbase to remain patient and completely back the boys.
Sheriff concluded: “Be loud, be proud.
“From my perspective, for me, you’re going to get more goals.
“You’re going to get more assists and you’re going to see some exciting football from everyone, individually and collectively.”
