Archives: News

PREVIEW: WHITES V SOUTHPORT

PREVIEW: WHITES V SOUTHPORT

*IS**BS*FA TROPHY – Second Round
DATE:*BF* Saturday 16th January 2016
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 3.00pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Crabble*IF*

*BS*Dover Athletic continue their FA Trophy campaign on Saturday, with fellow Vanarama National League side Southport coming to Crabble. Last season, Whites made it to the quarter-final stage, and will be keen to better that run this time around.*BF*

After the club’s excellent 3-2 victory over Lincoln City in the league on Saturday – a match in which Whites found themselves behind on two occasions, but rallied superbly to pick up all three points – Chris Kinnear’s men now turn their attentions to the next match in their 2015/16 FA Trophy campaign.

Whites are in this stage thanks to a 3-1 victory away at Whitehawk in the First Round, with opponents Southport here after a 3-2 replay victory (following an initial 0-0 draw) against Vanarama National League North outfit Worcester City.

The Sandgrounders have seen their form completely turn around since the appointment of Dino Maamria in mid-November. Upon his arrival, the side were in the relegation zone and in turmoil. Now, two months on, the Merseyside club are in 14th place, ten points clear from safety – and have won six of their last seven National League matches, picking a point up in the other.

Therefore, on form alone, this is arguably as tough as it could have come for Whites as they seek to progress in the FA Trophy and emulate their quarter-final run of last season. The respective league positions of the two clubs, added to Dover’s strong home record, means that the hosts will start as favourites but cannot underestimate Maamria’s revitalised men one iota.

At this stage of the competition last season, Whites won 1-0 away at Havant & Waterloovile, with a late goal from Ricky Modeste sealing the side’s progression through to the next round. In an interview for the club’s matchday magazine which will be on sale on Saturday, midfielder Nicky Deverdics expresses his disappointment in the club’s exit against Bath City last time around: “On the day we did not turn up and got caught cold early on – we know we messed it up big style. Everyone still regrets it as we should have got to Wembley – if not won it.”

And so, Saturday offers Whites a chance to continue the path of erasing those memories of last season – plus, more importantly, picking up £6,000 in prize money for winning the tie.

Away from home, Port have the 11th best record in the division, having picked up wins away at Woking (2-1), Kidderminster Harriers (1-0), Welling United (1-0), Gateshead (1-0) and Wrexham (1-0). Their ten goals scored on their league travels is the joint second lowest in the division, however their tally of twelve conceded gives them the third meanest away defence in the Vanarama National League.

Whites continue to impress at home, having lost just twice in thirteen matches, and picking up 27 points.

Dover are likely to remain unchanged from the win against Lincoln City, with Tyrone Sterling expected to keep his place in central defence ahead of Jamie Grimes. Stefan Payne will serve the second match of his four game suspension, giving Tom Murphy a further opportunity to re-establish himself within the starting XI. The focal point of attack will be Ricky Miller, who scored two at Sincil Bank last weekend.

The two sides met at Haig Avenue back in September in the Vanarama National League, and were held to a 0-0 stalemate. Despite hitting the woodwork early on in the first half as well as having chances cleared off the line later on in the match, Whites could not find the back of the net against a resilient Southport side. Ricky Miller shook the top of the crossbar with an audacious effort from 25 yards midway through the half after driving forward up the field. Whites also had an effort cleared off the line by Matty Challoner in the second half after Sean Raggett headed on target as the visitors were pressurising to find a winner.

Last season, the two league matches between the sides ended in 2-2 draws. Highlights from the home match, in which Sean Raggett and Dan Holman netted for Dover, can be viewed here:

[utube]

Supporters unable to make the game are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

If the match is drawn, then the replay will be held at Haig Avenue on Tuesday 19th January, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

*BS*OTHER FA TROPHY FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Saturday 16th January, 3.00pm*IF*
Dulwich Hamlet vs Guiseley AFC

Havant & Waterlooville vs Welling United
Truro City vs Macclesfield Town
Braintree Town vs Stourbridge
Chester vs Hungerford Town
Eastbourne Borough vs AFC Fylde
Sutton United vs Curzon Ashton
Torquay United vs Wrexham
Grimsby Town vs Weston Super Mare
FC Halifax Town vs Barrow AFC
Eastleigh vs Gateshead
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Nantwich Town
Woking vs Maidenhead United
Oxford City vs Cheltenham Town

Quiz Night

Quiz Night

The the next Dover Athletic FC Supporters’ Club Quiz Night will be held in The Centre Spot on Friday 22nd January 8pm in aid of The Harmony Therapy Trust.

Tables of up to 10 people per team and £3 per person and your Quiz Master is Simon Harris

STRIKER RESULTS: WEEK 1

STRIKER RESULTS: WEEK 28

*BS*The draw for week 28 of the Striker draw (13/01/2016) has been made, and the results are as follows:*BF*

£1000
2037 – C F Leatham

£50
5699 – Mr E Wright

£25
2212 – Mrs S Yates
543 – Mr D Johnson
521 – Ms G Smissen

£20
5718 – Mr R P Blackman
1123 – Mr G Hughes
3834 – M Philpott

£10
2746 – Mrs J Doble
6640 – Mrs Y Hambrook
2004 – Mr S Davies
798 – Miss S Pemble
344 – Miss A Gazard

The next draw will be held at Crabble at 12pm on Wednesday 20th January 2016.

*BS*The Striker is an opportunity to support your local team and give yourself a chance to win valuable cash prizes of up to £1,000 every week.*BF*

*BS**IS*How does The Striker work?*IF**BF*
When you join The Striker, you’ll be given a unique number. Each week, so long as you have paid your weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held on Wednesday afternoon. Keep an eye on the local press for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

*BS**IS*How much does it cost?*IF**BF*
Just £1 a week is all it costs to become a member of The Striker. Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

*BS**IS*What are the prizes?*IF**BF*
Each week, we draw a number of prizes. The top prize is £1,000, plus there’s a string of cash consolation prizes, ranging from £50 to £10.

*BS**IS*What happens to the proceeds?*IF**BF*
Naturally, we use the proceeds to fund the weekly cash prizes and a small element is used to cover certain expenses. But we put the surplus to good use. All the profit from The Striker Lottery in donated to Dover Athletic FC, to support your local football club and it’s work in the community. Dover Athletic has many teams ranging from it’s hugely successful youth scheme, through to it’s first team.

For further information, including details on how to sign up, please visit www.doverathletic.com/thestriker

Quiz Night

Quiz Night

The the next Dover Athletic FC Supporters’ Club Quiz Night will be held in The Centre Spot on Friday 22nd January 8pm in aid of The Harmony Therapy Trust.

Tables of up to 10 people per team and £3 per person and your Quiz Master is Simon Harris

ACADEMY AT CRABBLE

ACADEMY TRIALS – DATE SET

The Dover Athletic Academy will be holding trials at 10.30am on Tuesday 16th February, at The Abbey School in Faversham. Current Year 11 students are invited to come along.

Our Academy gives students the opportunity to represent Dover Athletic FC in the Conference Youth League, the highest level outside of professional status.

The Academy players train everyday like professionals, improving their knowledge of the game and allowing a seamless progression into senior football. The players also study a wide range of courses in our Sixth Form tailored to suit their academic needs and career aspirations.

The Academy has been very successful over the past couple of years resulting in two players making the England Schoolboys squad, reaching the first round of the FA Youth Cup, playing against Professional Clubs, one of our players receiving a full American Scholarship at The University of Florida and a number of others earning first team contracts with established senior clubs, including DAFC.

*BS*What do you need to know?*BF*
– Trials take place on Tuesday 16th February, during half-term, with registration at 10.30am for an 11.00am start. They will finish approximately 2.00pm.
-Bring full training kit including shin pads.
– It will be outside on the 3G pitch at The Abbey School (suitable for football boots).
– Trials will consist of a variety of matches.
– There will be shower and changing room facilities available for you to use.
– Parents are welcome to stay and watch.

Following the trial, you will receive a letter in the post informing you of the outcome. If you are successful but cannot make the first alternative trial date then alternative arrangements can be made to accommodate this situation.

As this opportunity is in partnership with The Abbey School, if successful you would be expected to take up your Sixth Form studies at the school.

For more information, or to register a place for the trial day, please e-mail [email protected]

STRIKER RESULTS: WEEK 1

STRIKER RESULTS: WEEK 28

*BS*The draw for week 28 of the Striker draw (13/01/2016) has been made, and the results are as follows:*BF*

£1000
2037 – C F Leatham

£50
5699 – Mr E Wright

£25
2212 – Mrs S Yates
543 – Mr D Johnson
521 – Ms G Smissen

£20
5718 – Mr R P Blackman
1123 – Mr G Hughes
3834 – M Philpott

£10
2746 – Mrs J Doble
6640 – Mrs Y Hambrook
2004 – Mr S Davies
798 – Miss S Pemble
344 – Miss A Gazard

The next draw will be held at Crabble at 12pm on Wednesday 20th January 2016.

*BS*The Striker is an opportunity to support your local team and give yourself a chance to win valuable cash prizes of up to £1,000 every week.*BF*

*BS**IS*How does The Striker work?*IF**BF*
When you join The Striker, you’ll be given a unique number. Each week, so long as you have paid your weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held on Wednesday afternoon. Keep an eye on the local press for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

*BS**IS*How much does it cost?*IF**BF*
Just £1 a week is all it costs to become a member of The Striker. Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

*BS**IS*What are the prizes?*IF**BF*
Each week, we draw a number of prizes. The top prize is £1,000, plus there’s a string of cash consolation prizes, ranging from £50 to £10.

*BS**IS*What happens to the proceeds?*IF**BF*
Naturally, we use the proceeds to fund the weekly cash prizes and a small element is used to cover certain expenses. But we put the surplus to good use. All the profit from The Striker Lottery in donated to Dover Athletic FC, to support your local football club and it’s work in the community. Dover Athletic has many teams ranging from it’s hugely successful youth scheme, through to it’s first team.

For further information, including details on how to sign up, please visit www.doverathletic.com/thestriker

VIP TICKET WINNERS

TROPHY MATCH SPONSORSHIP

*BS*Local businesses are being offered the opportunity to come and join in celebrating Dover Athletic’s successful season so far – by taking advantage of a discounted sponsorship package for our FA Trophy match against Southport this Saturday (16th January)!*BF*

With the side currently sitting in fourth place in the Vanarama National League – inside the playoff places – attention now turns to the FA Trophy this weekend.

The FA Trophy is the premier cup competition for non-league sides, with a trip to Wembley on offer to the finalists. Saturday’s clash against fellow National League side Southport is a Second Round match – and we’d like to invite local businesses to come along and help cheer us onto the next stage.

As such, our usual sponsorship packages have been discounted in an FA Trophy special. So take advantage of this offer and come and watch your local side in style!

*BS*Match Sponsorship – was £500, NOW £425*BF*
Join us for the day as main match sponsor. For the full matchday experience we include a ‘Premier Club’ day pass for you and 5 guests. The Match sponsorship package includes:

*IS*- Exclusive sponsor of the match that day.
– Recognition as Match Sponsor on social media and via PA system, on the day.
– Free listing on our Sponsorship and Advertisers webpage.
– Opportunity to showcase company in Centre Spot.
– 6 ‘Premier Club’ passes (reserved premium seating, buffet food & hot snack at half time, complimentary bar and matchday magazine & team sheet).
– Man of the Match choice and presentation, with photo opportunity
– Matchday souvenir from DAFC.
– Parking for two cars in the ‘Premier Club’ parking area*IF*

*BS*Matchball Sponsorship – was £250, NOW £212.50*BF*
Join us for the day as Matchball Sponsor. For the full matchday experience we include a ‘Premier Club’ day pass for you and 2 guests. The Matchball sponsorship package includes:

*IS*- Exclusive sponsor of the matchball that day.
– Recognition as Match Sponsor on social and via PA system, on the day.
– Free listing on our Sponsorship and Advertisers webpage.
– Opportunity to showcase company in Centre Spot.
– 3 ‘Premier Club’ passes (reserved premium seating, buffet food & hot snack at half time, complimentary bar and matchday magazine & team sheet).
– Matchday souvenir from DAFC.
– Parking for one car in the ‘Premier Club’ parking area*IF*

*BS*Matchday Magazine Sponsorship – was £150, NOW £127.50*BF*
Join us for the day as Matchday Magazine sponsor. For the full matchday experience we include a ‘Premier Club’ day pass for you and a guest. The Matchday Magazine sponsorship package includes:

*IS*- Exclusive sponsor of the Matchday Magazine that day.
– Recognition as Match Sponsor on social media and via PA system, on the day.
– Free listing on our Sponsorship and Advertisers webpage.
– Opportunity to showcase company in Centre Spot.
– 2 ‘Premier Club’ passes (reserved premium seating, buffet food & hot snack at half time, complimentary bar and matchday magazine & team sheet).
– Matchday souvenir from DAFC.
– Parking for one car in the ‘Premier Club’ parking area*IF*

*BS**IS*VAT applies to all prices listed above.*IF**BF*

To book a sponsorship package for this fixture, e-mail [email protected] straight away!

#ASKRAFF - Q&A TRANSCRIPT

#ASKRAFF – Q&A TRANSCRIPT

*BS*In the latest instalment of the ‘Ask A White’ Twitter Q&A sessions, Andy Rafferty was invited to take part in answering fans’ questions last Friday evening.*BF*

In this edition of the ‘Ask A White’ feature, Andy discusses his interests outside of football, what made him become a goalkeeper, and his favourite experience of playing for Whites – plus much more!

Further sessions with Whites stars are planned for the near future.

Below is the transcript from the Q&A session with Andy Rafferty.

*BS*@sirafferty: What’s the reason you chose to become a goalkeeper? Is there any player or person behind this?*BF*
Andy: My older brother used to insist on me going in goal! I used to play right back for my school, but our keeper got injured and I went in – and haven’t looked back since.

*BS*@jackosullivan01: How do you prepare on a Friday/Monday night for a match the next day?*BF*
Andy: Relax in the bath with a good book! Nothing different to most nights really – early night, decent bit of food.

*BS*@WilliamBussey3: Who do you get along with the best at the club?*BF*
Andy: I get along with all the boys pretty well, I sit next to Raggs (Sean Raggett) on the coach and train usually so I’ll say him.

*BS*@GroombridgeT: Who is the joker in the dressing room?*BF*
Andy: It was Tom Wynter, there wasn’t a moment’s peace with him about. No real jokers, although Murph (Tom Murphy) and Payney (Stefan Payne) are usually laughing about something!

*BS*@RVjourno: Who’s got the hardest shot at the club?*BF*
Andy: Probably Stefan Payne I think, although big Duane smashed one past me last night!

*BS*@JacobChesterton: Best player you’ve ever played with or against?*BF*
Andy: Good question. I trained with Walcott, Crouch and Lallana at Southampton.. does that count?

*BS*@lloyd9004: Because of the weather during the Welling match, do you agree with the ref’s decision to call the match off?*BF*
Andy: It was bad, I was better off with a canoe! I think it was the right decision, but he waited until it had stopped raining to call it off!

*BS*@jackosullivan01: Who in your personal life has been your biggest influence?*BF*
Andy: I would say my grandad. Always supported me from a young age and always on the end of the phone.

*BS*@RVjourno: Can you swim, Raff?*BF*
Andy: Yes, very well! Done all my swimming badges and life saving stuff when I was younger!

*BS*@RVjourno: Fellow goalkeeper Mitch Walker likes fishing, whilst goalkeeping coach Lee Hook likes fake tanning cream – what about you?*BF*
Andy: Hooky likes tanning just his face.. I ride my bikes a lot. Not so much down here, but back up North I’d always be out in the country.

*BS*@pearcey33: Have you ever met Jeff Stelling? He spoke highly of you on Soccer Saturday.*BF*
Andy: He has been in the changing rooms at Hartlepool games after matches, said hello but I can’t say he is a mate.

*BS*@matthew_gerrard: What book are you reading at the moment?*BF*
Andy: ‘With The Old Breed’ by Eugene Sledge. His own account of the war in the Pacific. His story is the basis for HBO’s ‘The Pacific’. Great box set!

*BS*@jackosullivan01: What three words would you friends/family use to describe you?*BF*
Andy: Ambitious, head-strong and git!

*BS*@Dines_11: How many of Ricky Miller’s penalties have you saved, or does he have the better of you?*BF*
Andy: I don’t think I have ever faced Rick for a pen!

*BS*@lloyd9004: What was it like to play Crystal Palace at Crabble in the FA Cup in 2015?*BF*
Andy: It was a great experience, one that I am proud to be part of. Result aside, of course.

*BS*@DoverAFCfan: How do you cope with the stick of away fans behind your goal?*BF*
Andy: It depends what they are like! Some are funny & I have a bit of chat back. But others you just have to ignore.

*BS*@JacobChesterton: Who is better – Ronaldo or Messi?*BF*
Andy: I prefer Ronaldo. Would love to see Messi in the Prem to see if he can do what he does in the Spanish leagues.

*BS*@peter_ray79: As a goalkeeper you see the game in front of you, so where do you think the team need to strengthen/improve?*BF*
Andy: I don’t think we need to strengthen because the league position shows we are more than capable – but goals win games, and clean sheets make it easier!

*BS*@jackosullivan01: What sides results do you look out for first?*BF*
Andy: Usually Chelsea, Newcastle and Hartlepool. More recently, Leatherhead to see how the Academy boss (Mike Sandmann) is getting on!

*BS*@matthew_gerrard: I think you coach for the Academy – do we have any future Sean Raggett’s coming through?*BF*
Andy: Yes, there are a couple we have high hopes for. I was pleasantly surprised at the standard of the boys when I first joined.

*BS*@jackosullivan01: How much of a goalkeeper’s game relies on confidence, and is it easy to pick yourself up after a bad game/bad moment?*BF*
Andy: It’s a part of the game. The older I have got, and the more experience of the good and bad I’ve had, the better I have got with dealing with the bad moments.

*BS*@RVjourno: Who is the untidiest in the dressing room, and who do you sit next to?*BF*
Andy: I sit next to Mitch, and the other side was Toby Ajala, who seemed to have bags and boots everywhere!

*BS*@pearcey33: If the first half does not go well, are CK or Jake cup throwers?*BF*
Andy: Neither are cup throwers really, although I think Jake gets the more animated.

*BS*@RVjourno: FA Cup Third Round this week – bring back memories of last season?*BF*
Andy: Yes, it brings good memories but a result at Lincoln tomorrow is the priority now. [Whites went on to win the match 3-2].

*BS*Final message from Andy*BF*: Thanks for all of the support so far by the fans this season. Myself and the boys all appreciate it, and hopefully we can kick on again and do something big this season!

VIP TICKET WINNERS

TROPHY MATCH SPONSORSHIP

*BS*Local businesses are being offered the opportunity to come and join in celebrating Dover Athletic’s successful season so far – by taking advantage of a discounted sponsorship package for our FA Trophy match against Southport this Saturday (16th January)!*BF*

With the side currently sitting in fourth place in the Vanarama National League – inside the playoff places – attention now turns to the FA Trophy this weekend.

The FA Trophy is the premier cup competition for non-league sides, with a trip to Wembley on offer to the finalists. Saturday’s clash against fellow National League side Southport is a Second Round match – and we’d like to invite local businesses to come along and help cheer us onto the next stage.

As such, our usual sponsorship packages have been discounted in an FA Trophy special. So take advantage of this offer and come and watch your local side in style!

*BS*Match Sponsorship – was £500, NOW £425*BF*
Join us for the day as main match sponsor. For the full matchday experience we include a ‘Premier Club’ day pass for you and 5 guests. The Match sponsorship package includes:

*IS*- Exclusive sponsor of the match that day.
– Recognition as Match Sponsor on social media and via PA system, on the day.
– Free listing on our Sponsorship and Advertisers webpage.
– Opportunity to showcase company in Centre Spot.
– 6 ‘Premier Club’ passes (reserved premium seating, buffet food & hot snack at half time, complimentary bar and matchday magazine & team sheet).
– Man of the Match choice and presentation, with photo opportunity
– Matchday souvenir from DAFC.
– Parking for two cars in the ‘Premier Club’ parking area*IF*

*BS*Matchball Sponsorship – was £250, NOW £212.50*BF*
Join us for the day as Matchball Sponsor. For the full matchday experience we include a ‘Premier Club’ day pass for you and 2 guests. The Matchball sponsorship package includes:

*IS*- Exclusive sponsor of the matchball that day.
– Recognition as Match Sponsor on social and via PA system, on the day.
– Free listing on our Sponsorship and Advertisers webpage.
– Opportunity to showcase company in Centre Spot.
– 3 ‘Premier Club’ passes (reserved premium seating, buffet food & hot snack at half time, complimentary bar and matchday magazine & team sheet).
– Matchday souvenir from DAFC.
– Parking for one car in the ‘Premier Club’ parking area*IF*

*BS*Matchday Magazine Sponsorship – was £150, NOW £127.50*BF*
Join us for the day as Matchday Magazine sponsor. For the full matchday experience we include a ‘Premier Club’ day pass for you and a guest. The Matchday Magazine sponsorship package includes:

*IS*- Exclusive sponsor of the Matchday Magazine that day.
– Recognition as Match Sponsor on social media and via PA system, on the day.
– Free listing on our Sponsorship and Advertisers webpage.
– Opportunity to showcase company in Centre Spot.
– 2 ‘Premier Club’ passes (reserved premium seating, buffet food & hot snack at half time, complimentary bar and matchday magazine & team sheet).
– Matchday souvenir from DAFC.
– Parking for one car in the ‘Premier Club’ parking area*IF*

*BS**IS*VAT applies to all prices listed above.*IF**BF*

To book a sponsorship package for this fixture, e-mail [email protected] straight away!

#ASKRAFF - Q&A TRANSCRIPT

#ASKRAFF – Q&A TRANSCRIPT

*BS*In the latest instalment of the ‘Ask A White’ Twitter Q&A sessions, Andy Rafferty was invited to take part in answering fans’ questions last Friday evening.*BF*

In this edition of the ‘Ask A White’ feature, Andy discusses his interests outside of football, what made him become a goalkeeper, and his favourite experience of playing for Whites – plus much more!

Further sessions with Whites stars are planned for the near future.

Below is the transcript from the Q&A session with Andy Rafferty.

*BS*@sirafferty: What’s the reason you chose to become a goalkeeper? Is there any player or person behind this?*BF*
Andy: My older brother used to insist on me going in goal! I used to play right back for my school, but our keeper got injured and I went in – and haven’t looked back since.

*BS*@jackosullivan01: How do you prepare on a Friday/Monday night for a match the next day?*BF*
Andy: Relax in the bath with a good book! Nothing different to most nights really – early night, decent bit of food.

*BS*@WilliamBussey3: Who do you get along with the best at the club?*BF*
Andy: I get along with all the boys pretty well, I sit next to Raggs (Sean Raggett) on the coach and train usually so I’ll say him.

*BS*@GroombridgeT: Who is the joker in the dressing room?*BF*
Andy: It was Tom Wynter, there wasn’t a moment’s peace with him about. No real jokers, although Murph (Tom Murphy) and Payney (Stefan Payne) are usually laughing about something!

*BS*@RVjourno: Who’s got the hardest shot at the club?*BF*
Andy: Probably Stefan Payne I think, although big Duane smashed one past me last night!

*BS*@JacobChesterton: Best player you’ve ever played with or against?*BF*
Andy: Good question. I trained with Walcott, Crouch and Lallana at Southampton.. does that count?

*BS*@lloyd9004: Because of the weather during the Welling match, do you agree with the ref’s decision to call the match off?*BF*
Andy: It was bad, I was better off with a canoe! I think it was the right decision, but he waited until it had stopped raining to call it off!

*BS*@jackosullivan01: Who in your personal life has been your biggest influence?*BF*
Andy: I would say my grandad. Always supported me from a young age and always on the end of the phone.

*BS*@RVjourno: Can you swim, Raff?*BF*
Andy: Yes, very well! Done all my swimming badges and life saving stuff when I was younger!

*BS*@RVjourno: Fellow goalkeeper Mitch Walker likes fishing, whilst goalkeeping coach Lee Hook likes fake tanning cream – what about you?*BF*
Andy: Hooky likes tanning just his face.. I ride my bikes a lot. Not so much down here, but back up North I’d always be out in the country.

*BS*@pearcey33: Have you ever met Jeff Stelling? He spoke highly of you on Soccer Saturday.*BF*
Andy: He has been in the changing rooms at Hartlepool games after matches, said hello but I can’t say he is a mate.

*BS*@matthew_gerrard: What book are you reading at the moment?*BF*
Andy: ‘With The Old Breed’ by Eugene Sledge. His own account of the war in the Pacific. His story is the basis for HBO’s ‘The Pacific’. Great box set!

*BS*@jackosullivan01: What three words would you friends/family use to describe you?*BF*
Andy: Ambitious, head-strong and git!

*BS*@Dines_11: How many of Ricky Miller’s penalties have you saved, or does he have the better of you?*BF*
Andy: I don’t think I have ever faced Rick for a pen!

*BS*@lloyd9004: What was it like to play Crystal Palace at Crabble in the FA Cup in 2015?*BF*
Andy: It was a great experience, one that I am proud to be part of. Result aside, of course.

*BS*@DoverAFCfan: How do you cope with the stick of away fans behind your goal?*BF*
Andy: It depends what they are like! Some are funny & I have a bit of chat back. But others you just have to ignore.

*BS*@JacobChesterton: Who is better – Ronaldo or Messi?*BF*
Andy: I prefer Ronaldo. Would love to see Messi in the Prem to see if he can do what he does in the Spanish leagues.

*BS*@peter_ray79: As a goalkeeper you see the game in front of you, so where do you think the team need to strengthen/improve?*BF*
Andy: I don’t think we need to strengthen because the league position shows we are more than capable – but goals win games, and clean sheets make it easier!

*BS*@jackosullivan01: What sides results do you look out for first?*BF*
Andy: Usually Chelsea, Newcastle and Hartlepool. More recently, Leatherhead to see how the Academy boss (Mike Sandmann) is getting on!

*BS*@matthew_gerrard: I think you coach for the Academy – do we have any future Sean Raggett’s coming through?*BF*
Andy: Yes, there are a couple we have high hopes for. I was pleasantly surprised at the standard of the boys when I first joined.

*BS*@jackosullivan01: How much of a goalkeeper’s game relies on confidence, and is it easy to pick yourself up after a bad game/bad moment?*BF*
Andy: It’s a part of the game. The older I have got, and the more experience of the good and bad I’ve had, the better I have got with dealing with the bad moments.

*BS*@RVjourno: Who is the untidiest in the dressing room, and who do you sit next to?*BF*
Andy: I sit next to Mitch, and the other side was Toby Ajala, who seemed to have bags and boots everywhere!

*BS*@pearcey33: If the first half does not go well, are CK or Jake cup throwers?*BF*
Andy: Neither are cup throwers really, although I think Jake gets the more animated.

*BS*@RVjourno: FA Cup Third Round this week – bring back memories of last season?*BF*
Andy: Yes, it brings good memories but a result at Lincoln tomorrow is the priority now. [Whites went on to win the match 3-2].

*BS*Final message from Andy*BF*: Thanks for all of the support so far by the fans this season. Myself and the boys all appreciate it, and hopefully we can kick on again and do something big this season!