Any football fan given half the chance will always try and ‘big up’ their team to anyone who cares to listen.

But one of Dover’s fans recently had a slightly more influential audience than most.

However, those listening on this occasion are more used to watching the action at the Despatch Box rather than the penalty box.

MP for Dover and Deal Charlie Elphicke praised the club’s community efforts during a recent House of Commons debate on the Finance Bill and next years Champions League Final which had led onto the topic of funding for local sport.

Mr Elphicke described himself as a ‘passionate and strong’ Dover Athletic supporter and added that local clubs like Dover “Are part of the cement that holds together all our communities. They should be celebrated just as much, if not more, than all the big-money clubs”.

Speaking after the session in the Commons Charlie stood by his comments, “DAFC plays a really important role in our community in bringing people together and helping to give Dover a great sense of community spirit. Watching Dover play is a great way to spend a Saturday and I hope to be able to spend more time at Crabble next season”.

It’s definitely fair to say that his comments aren’t unfounded as the team has always endeavoured to give something back to the Dover area.

Last season the club donated a total of £2000 to local charities ‘The Pilgrim’s Hospice’ and ‘The Demelza Hospice Care for Children’ whilst spearheading a number of other community projects in and around the town.

The Dover Athletic Football Academy has also gone from strength to strength through the years providing top class training for local young players. The quality of the Academy has been all too evident with Sean Raggett, Tom Axford and Lloyd Harrington all progressing to the senior side, with the icing on the cake coming when both Axford and Harrington gained international experience representing the England Schoolboys team.

But the Academy news doesn’t finish there; the next few weeks will see the completion of the highly anticipated 3G all weather pitch at Abbey School. The development of the facility has been supported by Dover Atheltic, who will use it as their primary training venue – the pitch will also be made available for use by the community.

The Whites are also not afraid to try out new ways to involve the community in far more frontline positions. On the 1st July Crabble will open its gates for a special trial as local players are given the opportunity to try and secure a place in the Dover squad for the coming season. The unprecedented session is aimed at giving those players in the area that haven’t been able previously attract the attention of the club a chance to showcase their skills.

But it’s not just MPs that have championed Dover Athletic, other local leaders have also stepped forward to reiterate Charlie’s claims.

Mayor of Dover, Cllr Anne Smith, believes that the club helps give the local community a sense of identity. She said “The great thing about Dover Athletic is that you get people from all parts of the area involved”.

The Mayor whose family has a long association with local sport in the town also acknowledged the hard work of Dover’s various youth teams, stating “I’m all for anything the gets young people involved in sport”.

#togetherwearedoverathletic

*BS*It’s time to spruce up the ground in preparation for pre-season so our working weekend has been set for Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June.*BF*

As in previous years, the Supporters Club are helping to do jobs around the ground in June. We would like to ask supporters to join us.

We are going to be at the ground painting, tidying etc to prepare for the new season, from 10am to 3pm both days.

We would really appreciate it if as many supporters as possible would join us for any time they can spare.

If this is not convenient to you, but you could spare time during the week, Roger and Ray are at the ground most mid-week days, please pop along to help if you can.

Many thanks, Debs

*BS*It’s time to spruce up the ground in preparation for pre-season so our working weekend has been set for Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June.*BF*

As in previous years, the Supporters Club are helping to do jobs around the ground in June. We would like to ask supporters to join us.

We are going to be at the ground painting, tidying etc to prepare for the new season, from 10am to 3pm both days.

We would really appreciate it if as many supporters as possible would join us for any time they can spare.

If this is not convenient to you, but you could spare time during the week, Roger and Ray are at the ground most mid-week days, please pop along to help if you can.

Many thanks, Debs

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*BS*Watching the early pre season build up at Crabble and all the hard work going on behind the scenes it can’t be denied that the club is already showing a great deal of ambition.*BF*

It now seems that this hasn’t gone unnoticed, particularly when you consider the recent signing of midfielder Steven Thomson.

The 34 year old had received offers from other Blue Square Bet South clubs which would have been far more convenient for him personally but when his old teammate Nicky Forster told him about his plans for the Whites next season he quickly came on board.

Thomson, who appeared for St Mirren in the SPL last season, was keen to point out that moving to a new level of football hadn’t affected his passion for the game or his drive to succeed. He said: “One thing I didn’t want to do was go part time and just go to any team and play out the rest of my career. I’d rather go to a team that takes things seriously”.

Looking back at Steven’s career you can definitely see that he’s not a man that does things by halves. Even his early experiences of playing football were at a very high standard. Growing up in Glasgow he developed an incredible training regime before he had even reached his teens.

He explained, “After playing for a local boys club I was invited to go and train with a few clubs, so at the age of 10 I found myself training with Rangers on a Monday, Celtic on a Tuesday, Hearts on a Wednesday and Hibs on a Thursday”.

This bustling schedule was only cut down when Steve reached 14 and was advised to choose one club over the others in order to make more time for his studies. He ended up siding with Glasgow Rangers but opportunities were pretty slim at that time as the club had around 80 professionals on its books.
*Q1*
In a bold move 16 year old Steve decided to cross the border and secured a place at Crystal Palace. Steve admits that the initial move was a little strange but he was helped by two of the Palace first team members and fellow countrymen Dougie Freedman and David Hopkin.

Eventually both men ended up leaving Palace with Freedman heading off to Wolves and Hopkin moving to Leeds, only to return to the Eagles at a pivotal time in Thomson’s career.

In the meantime Steve had worked hard in the youth team and at 17 signed his first pro contract. He then set about working his way through the reserves and onto the senior substitute list for the club’s spell in the Premier League. It was at this point that his old friends, Freedman and Hopkin, returned to the club.

“They both came back when I broke into the first team so I actually got to play alongside them. I’ve kept in touch with them both, in fact Dougie still gives me advice now and he played ‘til he was 37 so I hope I can take it all in!”

Thomson made his full senior debut for Palace at the age of 19 under manager Terry Venables. This kick-started a professional career that spanned 18 years and saw him play for the likes of Palace, Peterborough, Falkirk, Brighton and St Mirren.

*BS*Facing some great players…*BF*

Looking back, Steven has a number of moments that simply stand out above the rest.

In his his penultimate season at Palace the team went on a on a stunning run in the Worthington Cup which saw them beat the then Premiership outfit Leicester City and also take a one goal advantage to Anfield for the second leg of the semi final.

He recalled, “Unfortunately we got beaten 5-1 at Anfield but just playing in that atmosphere was an unforgettable experience”.

Steven also remembers the game well because he faced one of the best opponents he has ever come up against, Gary McAllister.

“He played brilliantly in that game and carried that form on for the rest of the season. I mean he was 38 at the time and I remember thinking ‘what must he have been like at 28?’ We came up against a brilliant Liverpool side that day which went on to pick up the UEFA and FA cups alongside the Worthington that season. I like to think we kick-started them!”

*Lpic1*But this isn’t Steven’s only big cup run, he also enjoyed success in the Scottish Cup with Falkirk. They battled all the way to the final and were unlucky to lose to Rangers by a single goal.

Thomson also has fond memories of representing his country at under 18 level and also being considered for the full national side whilst at Crystal Palace.

In short Steven has a key asset which isn’t naturally acquired and only comes with patience and hard work – experience.

His footballing pedigree is amplified by the top managers he has worked with including Terry Venables, Steve Bruce, Trevor Francis, Steve Coppell and Dave Bassett, plus he has come up against some of the most testing opposition, players like Gary Speed, Alan Shearer and a young and practically unplayable Kieron Dyer to name but a few.

However, it’s his two and a half years spent as captain of Falkirk that really puts the icing on the cake. He said: “I’m a very vocal player on the pitch which is probably why I was asked to lead the team. I really enjoyed being a leader on the pitch but wasn’t too keen on all of the off-field functions that came with the role”.

*BS*Looking forward to a new challenge…*BF*

Steven’s level headed mindset has also been applied to the new challenge of life in the Blue Square South. “I’m under no illusion that I’m just going to walk in from the league and find it easy. I know I’m going to have to work hard and I’m expecting a very high standard”.

Steven will have to adjust to a number of changes. For instance, he’s been used to training every day for the last 18 years. However, he said he was yet to adapt to the biggest change of them all: “One thing I’ve got to get used to is calling ‘Fozzy’ the ‘Gaffer’. I’m sure it’ll stick in time!”

*BS*Watching the early pre season build up at Crabble and all the hard work going on behind the scenes it can’t be denied that the club is already showing a great deal of ambition.*BF*

It now seems that this hasn’t gone unnoticed, particularly when you consider the recent signing of midfielder Steven Thomson.

The 34 year old had received offers from other Blue Square Bet South clubs which would have been far more convenient for him personally but when his old teammate Nicky Forster told him about his plans for the Whites next season he quickly came on board.

Thomson, who appeared for St Mirren in the SPL last season, was keen to point out that moving to a new level of football hadn’t affected his passion for the game or his drive to succeed. He said: “One thing I didn’t want to do was go part time and just go to any team and play out the rest of my career. I’d rather go to a team that takes things seriously”.

Looking back at Steven’s career you can definitely see that he’s not a man that does things by halves. Even his early experiences of playing football were at a very high standard. Growing up in Glasgow he developed an incredible training regime before he had even reached his teens.

He explained, “After playing for a local boys club I was invited to go and train with a few clubs, so at the age of 10 I found myself training with Rangers on a Monday, Celtic on a Tuesday, Hearts on a Wednesday and Hibs on a Thursday”.

This bustling schedule was only cut down when Steve reached 14 and was advised to choose one club over the others in order to make more time for his studies. He ended up siding with Glasgow Rangers but opportunities were pretty slim at that time as the club had around 80 professionals on its books.
*Q1*
In a bold move 16 year old Steve decided to cross the border and secured a place at Crystal Palace. Steve admits that the initial move was a little strange but he was helped by two of the Palace first team members and fellow countrymen Dougie Freedman and David Hopkin.

Eventually both men ended up leaving Palace with Freedman heading off to Wolves and Hopkin moving to Leeds, only to return to the Eagles at a pivotal time in Thomson’s career.

In the meantime Steve had worked hard in the youth team and at 17 signed his first pro contract. He then set about working his way through the reserves and onto the senior substitute list for the club’s spell in the Premier League. It was at this point that his old friends, Freedman and Hopkin, returned to the club.

“They both came back when I broke into the first team so I actually got to play alongside them. I’ve kept in touch with them both, in fact Dougie still gives me advice now and he played ‘til he was 37 so I hope I can take it all in!”

Thomson made his full senior debut for Palace at the age of 19 under manager Terry Venables. This kick-started a professional career that spanned 18 years and saw him play for the likes of Palace, Peterborough, Falkirk, Brighton and St Mirren.

*BS*Facing some great players…*BF*

Looking back, Steven has a number of moments that simply stand out above the rest.

In his his penultimate season at Palace the team went on a on a stunning run in the Worthington Cup which saw them beat the then Premiership outfit Leicester City and also take a one goal advantage to Anfield for the second leg of the semi final.

He recalled, “Unfortunately we got beaten 5-1 at Anfield but just playing in that atmosphere was an unforgettable experience”.

Steven also remembers the game well because he faced one of the best opponents he has ever come up against, Gary McAllister.

“He played brilliantly in that game and carried that form on for the rest of the season. I mean he was 38 at the time and I remember thinking ‘what must he have been like at 28?’ We came up against a brilliant Liverpool side that day which went on to pick up the UEFA and FA cups alongside the Worthington that season. I like to think we kick-started them!”

*Lpic1*But this isn’t Steven’s only big cup run, he also enjoyed success in the Scottish Cup with Falkirk. They battled all the way to the final and were unlucky to lose to Rangers by a single goal.

Thomson also has fond memories of representing his country at under 18 level and also being considered for the full national side whilst at Crystal Palace.

In short Steven has a key asset which isn’t naturally acquired and only comes with patience and hard work – experience.

His footballing pedigree is amplified by the top managers he has worked with including Terry Venables, Steve Bruce, Trevor Francis, Steve Coppell and Dave Bassett, plus he has come up against some of the most testing opposition, players like Gary Speed, Alan Shearer and a young and practically unplayable Kieron Dyer to name but a few.

However, it’s his two and a half years spent as captain of Falkirk that really puts the icing on the cake. He said: “I’m a very vocal player on the pitch which is probably why I was asked to lead the team. I really enjoyed being a leader on the pitch but wasn’t too keen on all of the off-field functions that came with the role”.

*BS*Looking forward to a new challenge…*BF*

Steven’s level headed mindset has also been applied to the new challenge of life in the Blue Square South. “I’m under no illusion that I’m just going to walk in from the league and find it easy. I know I’m going to have to work hard and I’m expecting a very high standard”.

Steven will have to adjust to a number of changes. For instance, he’s been used to training every day for the last 18 years. However, he said he was yet to adapt to the biggest change of them all: “One thing I’ve got to get used to is calling ‘Fozzy’ the ‘Gaffer’. I’m sure it’ll stick in time!”

*BS*Dover Athletic have today signed central defender Daniel Webb.*BF*

The 28 year-old has joined Whites on a one year deal, joining from fellow Blue Square Bet South side Salisbury City. He has Football League experience with Southend United, Hull City and Cambridge United.

Daniel’s signing completes Nicky Forster’s defensive line-up for next season. The Dover boss has two goalkeepers and eight defenders in place so can now concentrate on bolstering his attacking options.

The six foot one inch centre back made over 100 appearances in the Football League between 2000 and 2007. He was then part of AFC Wimbledon’s play-off winning side in Ryman Premier playing 33 times and scoring nine goals that season. Daniel often featured as a target man striker at this stage of his career before he was converted to a central defender.

Webb joined Salisbury in 2008 and spent two seasons there until the club’s two-tier demotion to the Southern League. He moved to Bath City, staying in Blue Square Bet Premier, where he made 29 appearances. Danny was loaned to Salisbury in 2011 and soon made the move permanent, a regular at the heart of their defence last season.

Daniel is the son of former Chelsea player David Webb, who has previously managed Southend, Chelsea and Brentford.

*Link1*

*BS**IS*doverathletic.com will be speaking to all our new signings, publishing a series of feature articles over the course of the summer – starting with Steven Thomson later this week.*IF**BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic have announced the addition of Brighton & Hove Albion to their pre-season schedule.*BF*

Whites are now scheduled to face three Football League clubs during pre-season with Gillingham and Dagenham also sending strong squads to test Nicky Forster’s revamped squad.

The Championship side will send a team to Crabble on Saturday 14th July, expected to be a mix of first-teamers and young talent. Gus Poyet will spread his squad across two friendly matches on the day.

The Sussex club just missed out on a play-off spot in the Championship last season and are aiming to go one better next time round. The club moved into a new stadium last August and has recently started work on installing an extra 8,000 seats to bring the capacity up to 30,000.

New signings Steven Thomson, Mitch Walker and Daniel Webb are set to face their former club, plus ex-Seagull Nicky Forster may find his stepson Jake Forster-Caskey on the opposing side. The teenager made four Championship and two FA Cup appearances for Brighton last season.

*BS*Dover Athletic have today signed central defender Daniel Webb.*BF*

The 28 year-old has joined Whites on a one year deal, joining from fellow Blue Square Bet South side Salisbury City. He has Football League experience with Southend United, Hull City and Cambridge United.

Daniel’s signing completes Nicky Forster’s defensive line-up for next season. The Dover boss has two goalkeepers and eight defenders in place so can now concentrate on bolstering his attacking options.

The six foot one inch centre back made over 100 appearances in the Football League between 2000 and 2007. He was then part of AFC Wimbledon’s play-off winning side in Ryman Premier playing 33 times and scoring nine goals that season. Daniel often featured as a target man striker at this stage of his career before he was converted to a central defender.

Webb joined Salisbury in 2008 and spent two seasons there until the club’s two-tier demotion to the Southern League. He moved to Bath City, staying in Blue Square Bet Premier, where he made 29 appearances. Danny was loaned to Salisbury in 2011 and soon made the move permanent, a regular at the heart of their defence last season.

Daniel is the son of former Chelsea player David Webb, who has previously managed Southend, Chelsea and Brentford.

*Link1*

*BS**IS*doverathletic.com will be speaking to all our new signings, publishing a series of feature articles over the course of the summer – starting with Steven Thomson later this week.*IF**BF*