*BS*New signing Michael Bakare is confident he can start the season with a bang and help the team compete for the title.*BF*

Having returned South after spells with Macclesfield and Southport, Bakare was excited to have signed for Dover Athletic:

“I got the phone call last month from Chris Kinnear saying he had watched me at the end of the season and wanted to sign me.

“Dover is a big club and the fact that the manager told me he wants to win the league was the main thing for me.”

He added: “I was living in Manchester before, but now I am back in London and am 110% happy to be back down South. I’ve not made the right moves in the past due to a lack of guidance, but I believe this is definitely the right move for me.”

*BS*On setting high targets for himself this season…*BF*

During his career, Michael has not always been a regular starter or played in his favoured position as a striker which is something he is looking to rectify this season: “Chris has told me he wants me up front. Because I am left footed, managers have played me at either left back or on the wing, which I’ve never minded as I wanted to get into the team and play football.

“When I was at Bishop’s Stortford, towards the end of the season all the strikers were injured and so the manager at the time stuck me up front as I was quick. I scored in the next few games and was told I’d be up front the following season.”

Despite having setbacks, Dover’s new hitman is not short on confidence and has set himself a target of 35 goals for the season: “I believe that if I play, I will score. The season I started as a striker for Bishop’s Stortford I had scored 18 goals in the Conference North by January before I moved to Macclesfield. I’m an all round striker, I’m decent in the air and can use both feet.”

*Q1*Michael is excited at the prospect of partnering former Ebbsfleet striker Nathan Elder, who has also joined Whites this summer: “I don’t know him personally but played against him for Southport and he was a beast in the air, which can only be good for me.”

With both strikers renowned for their goal scoring exploits, Bakare welcomed the competition: “If we are both scoring, it means the team are probably winning. The team is the most important thing and everyone playing should be looking to score.”

With pre-season training due to start on Saturday, Michael is clearly itching to get going: “I have not had a proper pre-season for a while and it really helps me with my fitness and sharpness. The last time I did pre season training, I started the season really well and it will give me a chance to achieve my high expectations for the season.”

He also added on the prospect of meeting his new team-mates: “Every time I have joined a team I have not known anyone but at Dover I know Ricky Modeste, Michael Kamara and Moses Ademola already.”

*BS*On his professional approach and aspirations for the future…*BF*

Still only 26, Bakare maintains the professional approach to football that he learned playing in the Football League: “Signing a pro contract with Macclesfield was special for me at the time. Having never played for an Academy team, as my parents wanted me to focus on education and also going to college and university, it was good to show people who were asking why I was still playing football that I could still make it.

“Even though I am part time, I still train full time and see playing football as my profession. It is such a privilege to get paid to do what is effectively your hobby.”

In addition to his professional mentality, Bakare also coaches children between the ages of nine and 18: “I try to help develop their skills rather than train them to just win competitions. It’s good to give back and I will be a Level 3 coach by the time the season starts so I can hopefully move into management in the future.”

*BS*New signing Michael Bakare is confident he can start the season with a bang and help the team compete for the title.*BF*

Having returned South after spells with Macclesfield and Southport, Bakare was excited to have signed for Dover Athletic:

“I got the phone call last month from Chris Kinnear saying he had watched me at the end of the season and wanted to sign me.

“Dover is a big club and the fact that the manager told me he wants to win the league was the main thing for me.”

He added: “I was living in Manchester before, but now I am back in London and am 110% happy to be back down South. I’ve not made the right moves in the past due to a lack of guidance, but I believe this is definitely the right move for me.”

*BS*On setting high targets for himself this season…*BF*

During his career, Michael has not always been a regular starter or played in his favoured position as a striker which is something he is looking to rectify this season: “Chris has told me he wants me up front. Because I am left footed, managers have played me at either left back or on the wing, which I’ve never minded as I wanted to get into the team and play football.

“When I was at Bishop’s Stortford, towards the end of the season all the strikers were injured and so the manager at the time stuck me up front as I was quick. I scored in the next few games and was told I’d be up front the following season.”

Despite having setbacks, Dover’s new hitman is not short on confidence and has set himself a target of 35 goals for the season: “I believe that if I play, I will score. The season I started as a striker for Bishop’s Stortford I had scored 18 goals in the Conference North by January before I moved to Macclesfield. I’m an all round striker, I’m decent in the air and can use both feet.”

*Q1*Michael is excited at the prospect of partnering former Ebbsfleet striker Nathan Elder, who has also joined Whites this summer: “I don’t know him personally but played against him for Southport and he was a beast in the air, which can only be good for me.”

With both strikers renowned for their goal scoring exploits, Bakare welcomed the competition: “If we are both scoring, it means the team are probably winning. The team is the most important thing and everyone playing should be looking to score.”

With pre-season training due to start on Saturday, Michael is clearly itching to get going: “I have not had a proper pre-season for a while and it really helps me with my fitness and sharpness. The last time I did pre season training, I started the season really well and it will give me a chance to achieve my high expectations for the season.”

He also added on the prospect of meeting his new team-mates: “Every time I have joined a team I have not known anyone but at Dover I know Ricky Modeste, Michael Kamara and Moses Ademola already.”

*BS*On his professional approach and aspirations for the future…*BF*

Still only 26, Bakare maintains the professional approach to football that he learned playing in the Football League: “Signing a pro contract with Macclesfield was special for me at the time. Having never played for an Academy team, as my parents wanted me to focus on education and also going to college and university, it was good to show people who were asking why I was still playing football that I could still make it.

“Even though I am part time, I still train full time and see playing football as my profession. It is such a privilege to get paid to do what is effectively your hobby.”

In addition to his professional mentality, Bakare also coaches children between the ages of nine and 18: “I try to help develop their skills rather than train them to just win competitions. It’s good to give back and I will be a Level 3 coach by the time the season starts so I can hopefully move into management in the future.”

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*BS*Dover Athletic has announced the new matchday prices and season tickets costs for this season. *BF*

Despite a tough trading year, caused mainly by disappointing attendances, the club wants to give supporters an opportunity to avoid the inevitable price rises next season.

Season tickets will include the option to sit at no extra cost; as well as saving on the purchase of a first team replica shirt, season ticket holders will pay just £30.

*Link2*

While the club is aware that its supporters are effected by the current economic climate, it hopes fans understand the same issues affect the club.

*Q1*As such general admission prices, which despite ever increasing costs and inflation have not risen in 3 years, will rise slightly to:

*BS*Adults:*BF* £13
*BS*Over 60:*BF* £10
*BS*U18:*BF* £6
*BS*U11:*BF* FREE

*Link1*

Season ticket prices purchased before 30th June:

*BS*Adult:*BF* £210
*BS*Over 60: *BF*£149
*BS*U18:*BF* £70

Season ticket prices will rise after 30th June to:

*BS*Adult:*BF* £265
*BS*Over 60:*BF* £204
*BS*U18:*BF* £120

*Link2*

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “We need to live within our means and unfortunately, due to lower than expected attendances last season, the board have had to take the difficult decision of increasing our prices slightly. We have done this in the best interests of the club and hope that supporters recognise that this is required to ensure their club continues to prosper.

“Any money the club makes is always ploughed back in to improving things both on and off the pitch. None of the board are paid or take money from the club and jobs around the club are undertaken by volunteers. Running a football club and associated infrastructure is, unfortunately, an expensive business.

“We hope that the frozen season ticket prices go some way to assisting fans.”

*BS*Dover Athletic has announced the new matchday prices and season tickets costs for this season. *BF*

Despite a tough trading year, caused mainly by disappointing attendances, the club wants to give supporters an opportunity to avoid the inevitable price rises next season.

Season tickets will include the option to sit at no extra cost; as well as saving on the purchase of a first team replica shirt, season ticket holders will pay just £30.

*Link2*

While the club is aware that its supporters are effected by the current economic climate, it hopes fans understand the same issues affect the club.

*Q1*As such general admission prices, which despite ever increasing costs and inflation have not risen in 3 years, will rise slightly to:

*BS*Adults:*BF* £13
*BS*Over 60:*BF* £10
*BS*U18:*BF* £6
*BS*U11:*BF* FREE

*Link1*

Season ticket prices purchased before 30th June:

*BS*Adult:*BF* £210
*BS*Over 60: *BF*£149
*BS*U18:*BF* £70

Season ticket prices will rise after 30th June to:

*BS*Adult:*BF* £265
*BS*Over 60:*BF* £204
*BS*U18:*BF* £120

*Link2*

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “We need to live within our means and unfortunately, due to lower than expected attendances last season, the board have had to take the difficult decision of increasing our prices slightly. We have done this in the best interests of the club and hope that supporters recognise that this is required to ensure their club continues to prosper.

“Any money the club makes is always ploughed back in to improving things both on and off the pitch. None of the board are paid or take money from the club and jobs around the club are undertaken by volunteers. Running a football club and associated infrastructure is, unfortunately, an expensive business.

“We hope that the frozen season ticket prices go some way to assisting fans.”

*BS*Ian Simpemba has opted to join Eastbourne Borough after 18 months at Crabble.*BF*

The central defender joined Dover Athletic from Ebbsfleet United and prior to joining the Fleet in 2011, he played for clubs near his home in Sussex – Crawley, Lewes and Havant & Waterlooville.

Ian has now signed for Eastbourne Borough, a club located within a few miles of his home. They finished 12th in Blue Square Bet South last season.

Dover Athletic would like to thank Ian for his service and wish him all the best for the future.

*BS*Ian Simpemba has opted to join Eastbourne Borough after 18 months at Crabble.*BF*

The central defender joined Dover Athletic from Ebbsfleet United and prior to joining the Fleet in 2011, he played for clubs near his home in Sussex – Crawley, Lewes and Havant & Waterlooville.

Ian has now signed for Eastbourne Borough, a club located within a few miles of his home. They finished 12th in Blue Square Bet South last season.

Dover Athletic would like to thank Ian for his service and wish him all the best for the future.

*BS*Chris Kinnear says he is keeping his options open when it comes to building a squad for next season but describes the type of players he will be looking to bring to Crabble.*BF*

Whites’ boss came agonisingly close to masterminding a sensational return to the Conference Premier at the first attempt, after returning to the club at the beginning of the year.

Despite the battling qualities his players showed in the play-off final at Salisbury, 30 minutes of extra time with 10 men was just a step too far for a team that gave everything on the day.

*BS*Chris on the play-off heartache and taking the positives from the final months of the season…*BF*

“I really thought we might do it but it was twice as difficult in extra time and being the away team made a massive difference. Everyone is still disappointed and why wouldn’t they be?

“It was a great experience and I have learnt a lot about the league. We were out of both cups and had lost nine league games when I first started and since then we have only lost one.”

*BS*On talking to players about their future and keeping fans updated with developments…*BF*

“I needed to let the dust settle first. Though I want to keep fans updated, I need to be fair to the players and look after them too. Some will stay and some will go, but I will not panic about anything as I have until mid-August to get the squad ready.”

*BS*So how does the boss go about adding fresh faces to his squad?*BF*

“I like to keep an open mind and don’t like to sign players early. There are a lot of players released from Football League clubs from June 1st. I already have had quite a few ringing me up wanting to play for Dover! Plus other players become available as trials don’t work out.

“Whoever comes in, I want them to want to play for Dover and why would you not want to? It’s a great club, where players get looked after in first class style.

“I like players that are young, ambitious, hungry and have a willingness to improve – like in my first spell here with the likes of Jason Bartlett, Mark Harrop, Russell Milton and Lennie Lee, who all cared about the club. I will also need some players with experience to help the younger players.”

*BS*Kinnear on the resources available for next season…*BF*

“It is a little less than last season but it is still decent and I have no complaints. Though our players will be on good pay, I don’t want anyone that just follows the money.

“When I first started managing, some players would just go between clubs like Dover, Folkestone and Margate because that’s where the money was. I wanted to get out of that and I still do it differently. I’m a good judge of character and used to talking to young people.”

*BS*Having already won league titles with Margate and Dover previously, the desire to win is clearly still evident, despite the stiff competition for promotion Whites will face:*BF*

“It’s going to be a lot tougher next season, a few players have already gone for big money and some clubs are going full-time. We might not be the richest but we have to be positive and go for it.

“We all care about the club and want to see it do well, in particular for the fans who have been magnificent. What other supporters would clap the team off after losing 5-0? That was the main reason we bounced back and went unbeaten again in the league. Players really appreciate it when fans are behind them.”

*BS*On players airing their opinions on social media…*BF*

“I don’t look at websites myself as it clouds judgement, but these are young lads and sometimes things are said in the heat of the moment to try and get their own way. If something is said in the dressing room, it is forgotten about quickly. The club has a strict social media policy.”

*BS*Chris Kinnear says he is keeping his options open when it comes to building a squad for next season but describes the type of players he will be looking to bring to Crabble.*BF*

Whites’ boss came agonisingly close to masterminding a sensational return to the Conference Premier at the first attempt, after returning to the club at the beginning of the year.

Despite the battling qualities his players showed in the play-off final at Salisbury, 30 minutes of extra time with 10 men was just a step too far for a team that gave everything on the day.

*BS*Chris on the play-off heartache and taking the positives from the final months of the season…*BF*

“I really thought we might do it but it was twice as difficult in extra time and being the away team made a massive difference. Everyone is still disappointed and why wouldn’t they be?

“It was a great experience and I have learnt a lot about the league. We were out of both cups and had lost nine league games when I first started and since then we have only lost one.”

*BS*On talking to players about their future and keeping fans updated with developments…*BF*

“I needed to let the dust settle first. Though I want to keep fans updated, I need to be fair to the players and look after them too. Some will stay and some will go, but I will not panic about anything as I have until mid-August to get the squad ready.”

*BS*So how does the boss go about adding fresh faces to his squad?*BF*

“I like to keep an open mind and don’t like to sign players early. There are a lot of players released from Football League clubs from June 1st. I already have had quite a few ringing me up wanting to play for Dover! Plus other players become available as trials don’t work out.

“Whoever comes in, I want them to want to play for Dover and why would you not want to? It’s a great club, where players get looked after in first class style.

“I like players that are young, ambitious, hungry and have a willingness to improve – like in my first spell here with the likes of Jason Bartlett, Mark Harrop, Russell Milton and Lennie Lee, who all cared about the club. I will also need some players with experience to help the younger players.”

*BS*Kinnear on the resources available for next season…*BF*

“It is a little less than last season but it is still decent and I have no complaints. Though our players will be on good pay, I don’t want anyone that just follows the money.

“When I first started managing, some players would just go between clubs like Dover, Folkestone and Margate because that’s where the money was. I wanted to get out of that and I still do it differently. I’m a good judge of character and used to talking to young people.”

*BS*Having already won league titles with Margate and Dover previously, the desire to win is clearly still evident, despite the stiff competition for promotion Whites will face:*BF*

“It’s going to be a lot tougher next season, a few players have already gone for big money and some clubs are going full-time. We might not be the richest but we have to be positive and go for it.

“We all care about the club and want to see it do well, in particular for the fans who have been magnificent. What other supporters would clap the team off after losing 5-0? That was the main reason we bounced back and went unbeaten again in the league. Players really appreciate it when fans are behind them.”

*BS*On players airing their opinions on social media…*BF*

“I don’t look at websites myself as it clouds judgement, but these are young lads and sometimes things are said in the heat of the moment to try and get their own way. If something is said in the dressing room, it is forgotten about quickly. The club has a strict social media policy.”