*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*HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO JOIN OUR FIRST TEAM?*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic is offering local players and those from further a field the chance to take part in open trials with the possibility of winning a first team contract.*BF*

The club will be holding a special trials day on 1st July. To apply for a place you must pre-register by filling in an application form and sending it, along with a footballing C.V. to the club.

The closing date for applications is 8th June. The 1st team management will then choose up to 25 of the most promising applicants to take part on the day. We’ll notify all registrants by 11th June if they have been successful or not.

There will be a £25 fee for those attending the trial, which covers our costs and administration of the day. Once we’ve notified you of your participation you must forward payment – no later than 18th June.

The trials day will be taken by the Dover Athletic FC First Team management and coaching staff.

Dover Manager, Nicky Forster said “This is a great opportunity for players in the local area who have not been able to draw the attention of a club. There are many players available, all vying for a limited number of places with clubs like Dover. We hope this trials day may provide a chance for players that have previously been overlooked.”

The format for the day is as follows:

The trials will take place between 10.00am and 4.00pm at Crabble.

Morning Session: Technical Drills & Possession

Lunch break – Food and Drink supplied by the Football Club

Afternoon Session: 3 X 30 minute games to be played at Crabble (playing in a provided Dover Athletic first team kit).

Minimum requirements for applications:

Must be over 18 years old.

Must have previously played to, atleast, county league level or equivalent.

Must complete a disclaimer before taking part on the day.

The club will provide all playing kit, lunch and drinks. You must bring your own boots, shin pads and towels.

*BS*Download the Application form *Link1* and then send it, along with your footballing C.V. to: trials@doverathletic.com*BF*

*BS*HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO JOIN OUR FIRST TEAM?*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic is offering local players and those from further a field the chance to take part in open trials with the possibility of winning a first team contract.*BF*

The club will be holding a special trials day on 1st July. To apply for a place you must pre-register by filling in an application form and sending it, along with a footballing C.V. to the club.

The closing date for applications is 8th June. The 1st team management will then choose up to 25 of the most promising applicants to take part on the day. We’ll notify all registrants by 11th June if they have been successful or not.

There will be a £25 fee for those attending the trial, which covers our costs and administration of the day. Once we’ve notified you of your participation you must forward payment – no later than 18th June.

The trials day will be taken by the Dover Athletic FC First Team management and coaching staff.

Dover Manager, Nicky Forster said “This is a great opportunity for players in the local area who have not been able to draw the attention of a club. There are many players available, all vying for a limited number of places with clubs like Dover. We hope this trials day may provide a chance for players that have previously been overlooked.”

The format for the day is as follows:

The trials will take place between 10.00am and 4.00pm at Crabble.

Morning Session: Technical Drills & Possession

Lunch break – Food and Drink supplied by the Football Club

Afternoon Session: 3 X 30 minute games to be played at Crabble (playing in a provided Dover Athletic first team kit).

Minimum requirements for applications:

Must be over 18 years old.

Must have previously played to, atleast, county league level or equivalent.

Must complete a disclaimer before taking part on the day.

The club will provide all playing kit, lunch and drinks. You must bring your own boots, shin pads and towels.

*BS*Download the Application form *Link1* and then send it, along with your footballing C.V. to: trials@doverathletic.com*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic can today confirm six pre-season friendlies, including home games against League Two clubs Gillingham and Dagenham.*BF*

Manager Nicky Forster and assistant Steve Brown were keen to arrange a competitive and varied set of fixtures against different styles and quality of opposition.

Whites begin at Deal Town on Saturday 7 July. The following weekend sees Championship side Brighton bring a team to Crabble on 14 July.

Supporters can look forward to a trip to the Dripping Pan against Lewes on Saturday 21st July. The Ryman Premier side are now managed by Whites legend Simon Wormull.

Dover will be tested by League Two opponents twice in three days midway through the pre-season schedule. Gillingham’s new manager will bring a side to Crabble on Tuesday 31 July, following Dagenham’s visit on Saturday 28 July.

The players will wrap up their preparation for the new season with a trip to Liam Daish’s Ebbsfleet on Saturday 4th August before entertaining Chris Kinnear’s Margate at Crabble a week later.

*BS*Pre-Season Schedule:*BF*

Saturday 7 July – Deal Town away (3.00pm)

Saturday 14 July – Brighton & Hove Albion at Crabble (3.00pm)

Saturday 21 July – Lewes away (3.00pm)

Saturday 28 July – Dagenham & Redbridge at Crabble (3.00pm)

Tuesday 31 July – Gillingham at Crabble (7.45pm)

Saturday 4 August – Ebbsfleet United away (3.00pm)

Saturday 11 August – Margate at Crabble (3.00pm)

The opening day of the Blue Square Bet South season is Saturday 18th August.

*BS*Dover Athletic have today signed former loanee midfielder Dean Rance on a permanent deal.*BF*

Nicky Forster moved quickly to sign the 20 year-old after he left Gillingham earlier this month. The central midfielder made two appearances for Whites on loan last season.

He becomes the club’s third new signing of the summer after Steven Thomson and Mitchell Walker.

Dean said: “I’m excited about the fresh challenge and look forward to a successful season.”

Rance joined Gillingham at the age of eight and progressed through their youth set-up, finishing the 2009–10 season as the youth team’s top goalscorer. He signed his first professional contract in May 2010.

He had loan spells with home town club Maidstone United and Bishop’s Stortford during 2010 and 2011, scoring three goals in 15 Blue Square Bet South appearances. Like his former teammate at Gillingham Connor Essam, Dean followed up his time at Stortford with a loan spell at Crabble.

In a 2-1 victory against Chelmsford last season his performance contributed to Whites’ best home display of the campaign. Unfortunately he was injured in that game and so his loan spell with the club was cut short.

Rance made his first team debut for Gillingham in November 2011 as a substitute in an FA Cup first round replay against Bournemouth.

*Link1*

Reaction to follow.

*BS*Dover Athletic can today confirm six pre-season friendlies, including home games against League Two clubs Gillingham and Dagenham.*BF*

Manager Nicky Forster and assistant Steve Brown were keen to arrange a competitive and varied set of fixtures against different styles and quality of opposition.

Whites begin at Deal Town on Saturday 7 July. The following weekend sees Championship side Brighton bring a team to Crabble on 14 July.

Supporters can look forward to a trip to the Dripping Pan against Lewes on Saturday 21st July. The Ryman Premier side are now managed by Whites legend Simon Wormull.

Dover will be tested by League Two opponents twice in three days midway through the pre-season schedule. Gillingham’s new manager will bring a side to Crabble on Tuesday 31 July, following Dagenham’s visit on Saturday 28 July.

The players will wrap up their preparation for the new season with a trip to Liam Daish’s Ebbsfleet on Saturday 4th August before entertaining Chris Kinnear’s Margate at Crabble a week later.

*BS*Pre-Season Schedule:*BF*

Saturday 7 July – Deal Town away (3.00pm)

Saturday 14 July – Brighton & Hove Albion at Crabble (3.00pm)

Saturday 21 July – Lewes away (3.00pm)

Saturday 28 July – Dagenham & Redbridge at Crabble (3.00pm)

Tuesday 31 July – Gillingham at Crabble (7.45pm)

Saturday 4 August – Ebbsfleet United away (3.00pm)

Saturday 11 August – Margate at Crabble (3.00pm)

The opening day of the Blue Square Bet South season is Saturday 18th August.

*BS*Dover Athletic have today signed former loanee midfielder Dean Rance on a permanent deal.*BF*

Nicky Forster moved quickly to sign the 20 year-old after he left Gillingham earlier this month. The central midfielder made two appearances for Whites on loan last season.

He becomes the club’s third new signing of the summer after Steven Thomson and Mitchell Walker.

Dean said: “I’m excited about the fresh challenge and look forward to a successful season.”

Rance joined Gillingham at the age of eight and progressed through their youth set-up, finishing the 2009–10 season as the youth team’s top goalscorer. He signed his first professional contract in May 2010.

He had loan spells with home town club Maidstone United and Bishop’s Stortford during 2010 and 2011, scoring three goals in 15 Blue Square Bet South appearances. Like his former teammate at Gillingham Connor Essam, Dean followed up his time at Stortford with a loan spell at Crabble.

In a 2-1 victory against Chelmsford last season his performance contributed to Whites’ best home display of the campaign. Unfortunately he was injured in that game and so his loan spell with the club was cut short.

Rance made his first team debut for Gillingham in November 2011 as a substitute in an FA Cup first round replay against Bournemouth.

*Link1*

Reaction to follow.

*BS*Dover Athletic are pleased to announce the graduation of Tom Axford from Whites’ Academy to the first team squad.*BF*

The young prospect has today signed a one year contract, joining fellow Academy graduates Lloyd Harrington and Sean Raggett in Nicky Forster’s squad for next season.

Tom featured in midfield for the first team last season in the Kent Senior Cup and has recently been capped by England Schoolboys, playing at right back.

*Link1*

Meanwhile, midfielder Glen Southam has decided not to renew his contract and yesterday signed for fellow Blue Square Bet South club Eastleigh. The former Barnet player spent a year at Crabble and we wish him well for the future.

Nicky Forster said: “Glen leaves with our best wishes. He will be remembered for his wholehearted performances on the pitch and professionalism off it during his time at the club.”

*BS*Dover Athletic are pleased to announce the graduation of Tom Axford from Whites’ Academy to the first team squad.*BF*

The young prospect has today signed a one year contract, joining fellow Academy graduates Lloyd Harrington and Sean Raggett in Nicky Forster’s squad for next season.

Tom featured in midfield for the first team last season in the Kent Senior Cup and has recently been capped by England Schoolboys, playing at right back.

*Link1*

Meanwhile, midfielder Glen Southam has decided not to renew his contract and yesterday signed for fellow Blue Square Bet South club Eastleigh. The former Barnet player spent a year at Crabble and we wish him well for the future.

Nicky Forster said: “Glen leaves with our best wishes. He will be remembered for his wholehearted performances on the pitch and professionalism off it during his time at the club.”