*BS*Nicky Forster has completed the signing of goalkeeper Mitchell Walker from Brighton & Hove Albion.*BF*

The highly-rated youngster has experience of Blue Square Bet South football, having played for Eastbourne Borough and Welling United in the past two seasons.

Walker made his professional debut for Brighton on the last day of the 2009-10 season in a 1–0 victory over Yeovil Town. He will compete with Lee Hook for the No 1 jersey at Crabble next season.

Nicky Forster told doverathletic.com: “Mitch is a fantastic prospect who has a maturity beyond his years, a goalkeeper with huge presence who has featured in League One with Brighton & Hove Albion.

“We have worked hard for his signature as he turned down a professional club in order to sign for Dover Athletic, which shows the quality of players we are now trying to attract here.”

This signing means Whites’ boss is close to completing the defensive part of his squad. Of the 12 players currently signed on contract, two are goalkeepers and six are defenders.

Forster moved to bolster the squad’s midfield at the weekend with the capture of Steven Thomson from St Mirren.

Nicky said: “I am delighted get Thommo down here at Crabble, especially as his signature was being chased by a number of other clubs both in our league and above.

“He is an experienced professional who is still hungry for success and will bring a level of experience that at times we missed last season, especially during the key run in.”

*Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic’s commercial progress was given a further boost today with the addition of a further large scale, 5 figure, sponsorship deal.*BF*

Viking Recruitment, the leading Cruise Ship and Large Yacht Crew Management Company based in Dover has agreed to extend its support. The company, which has offices around the world, has agreed a substantial 5 figure deal.

Viking have been supporting the Whites, as sponsors, for the past two seasons.

Viking Chairman and Founder, Dieter Jaenicke said “As a local Dover business, the Chairman, Directors and all of the staff at Viking Recruitment are very proud of its association with Dover Athletic and are committed to assisting the football club in their long term future. We hope this is aided with our substantial sponsorship for a 3rd consecutive year and of course by attending games and promoting the club locally, nationally and internationally with its clients.”

Club Director, Alistair Bayliss, said “I’m delighted that Viking have decided to continue their sponsorship for another season, it is vital to us as a club that as many local businesses as possible support us. There is a real feel good factor around the club at the moment and I’d like to personally thank Dieter and his Directors for adding to that.”

*BS*Academy boss Michael Sandmann reflects on the progression made this season and the potential for more players to graduate to the first team…*BF*

The Academy finished the season last week with 3-1 win over league winners Weston-super-Mare.

It has been an excellent season for us with Sean Raggett, Tom Axford and Lloyd Harrington being offered first team contracts by Nicky Forster for next season.

I have been extremely pleased with the progression of the players and it shows that the Academy does work. For me it’s all about producing players to play in the first team and I hope with more experience the three of them can become regulars in seasons to come.

I was proud to watch Lloyd play the last few games for the first team and he showed what potential he has. It’s also a pleasure to see the players develop in the two years of having them and watch them reach their end goal with us.

This year we have also had Tom and Lloyd represent England at schoolboy level. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, proudly representing the Abbey School and Dover Athletic.

To get three players in one year progress into the first team is outstanding and testament to the players’ hard work every day in training.

*Lpic1*I was also pleased to see eight other Academy players represent Dover Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup. I thank Nicky Forster and Steve Brown for giving the players the opportunity; it shows the club has a real belief in its youth system.

Next season plans are already underway with 23 new Academy players joining the Abbey School and Dover Athletic. I am pleased with the amount of players progressing from the club’s Under-16 youth team into the Academy and shows what a great youth set-up we have.

Dover Athletic is attracting the best players in the youth teams and Academy. We are looking forward to working with these players and hopefully more and more of them will progress into the first team.

*BS*Nicky Forster has completed the signing of goalkeeper Mitchell Walker from Brighton & Hove Albion.*BF*

The highly-rated youngster has experience of Blue Square Bet South football, having played for Eastbourne Borough and Welling United in the past two seasons.

Walker made his professional debut for Brighton on the last day of the 2009-10 season in a 1–0 victory over Yeovil Town. He will compete with Lee Hook for the No 1 jersey at Crabble next season.

Nicky Forster told doverathletic.com: “Mitch is a fantastic prospect who has a maturity beyond his years, a goalkeeper with huge presence who has featured in League One with Brighton & Hove Albion.

“We have worked hard for his signature as he turned down a professional club in order to sign for Dover Athletic, which shows the quality of players we are now trying to attract here.”

This signing means Whites’ boss is close to completing the defensive part of his squad. Of the 12 players currently signed on contract, two are goalkeepers and six are defenders.

Forster moved to bolster the squad’s midfield at the weekend with the capture of Steven Thomson from St Mirren.

Nicky said: “I am delighted get Thommo down here at Crabble, especially as his signature was being chased by a number of other clubs both in our league and above.

“He is an experienced professional who is still hungry for success and will bring a level of experience that at times we missed last season, especially during the key run in.”

*Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic’s commercial progress was given a further boost today with the addition of a further large scale, 5 figure, sponsorship deal.*BF*

Viking Recruitment, the leading Cruise Ship and Large Yacht Crew Management Company based in Dover has agreed to extend its support. The company, which has offices around the world, has agreed a substantial 5 figure deal.

Viking have been supporting the Whites, as sponsors, for the past two seasons.

Viking Chairman and Founder, Dieter Jaenicke said “As a local Dover business, the Chairman, Directors and all of the staff at Viking Recruitment are very proud of its association with Dover Athletic and are committed to assisting the football club in their long term future. We hope this is aided with our substantial sponsorship for a 3rd consecutive year and of course by attending games and promoting the club locally, nationally and internationally with its clients.”

Club Director, Alistair Bayliss, said “I’m delighted that Viking have decided to continue their sponsorship for another season, it is vital to us as a club that as many local businesses as possible support us. There is a real feel good factor around the club at the moment and I’d like to personally thank Dieter and his Directors for adding to that.”

*BS*Academy boss Michael Sandmann reflects on the progression made this season and the potential for more players to graduate to the first team…*BF*

The Academy finished the season last week with 3-1 win over league winners Weston-super-Mare.

It has been an excellent season for us with Sean Raggett, Tom Axford and Lloyd Harrington being offered first team contracts by Nicky Forster for next season.

I have been extremely pleased with the progression of the players and it shows that the Academy does work. For me it’s all about producing players to play in the first team and I hope with more experience the three of them can become regulars in seasons to come.

I was proud to watch Lloyd play the last few games for the first team and he showed what potential he has. It’s also a pleasure to see the players develop in the two years of having them and watch them reach their end goal with us.

This year we have also had Tom and Lloyd represent England at schoolboy level. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, proudly representing the Abbey School and Dover Athletic.

To get three players in one year progress into the first team is outstanding and testament to the players’ hard work every day in training.

*Lpic1*I was also pleased to see eight other Academy players represent Dover Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup. I thank Nicky Forster and Steve Brown for giving the players the opportunity; it shows the club has a real belief in its youth system.

Next season plans are already underway with 23 new Academy players joining the Abbey School and Dover Athletic. I am pleased with the amount of players progressing from the club’s Under-16 youth team into the Academy and shows what a great youth set-up we have.

Dover Athletic is attracting the best players in the youth teams and Academy. We are looking forward to working with these players and hopefully more and more of them will progress into the first team.

*BS*Dover Athletic have completed the signing of vastly experienced midfielder Steven Thomson from St Mirren.*BF*

The 34 year-old made the decision to quit full-time football at the end of his 18th season as a professional to pursue at career as a financial advisor in London.

He played alongside Nicky Forster for Brighton in 2008 and Whites’ boss has convinced Thomson that Crabble is the right place for him to combine his new career with semi-professional football.

The Dover squad is currently light on numbers in midfield with Glen Southam and Michael Corcoran yet to sign new contracts. Steven’s arrival will add both experience and quality to Forster’s new-look team for next season.

The Glaswegian made 31 appearances for the Scottish Premier League club this season and more than 100 in his three years at St Mirren. Prior to his year at Brighton, he had spent three seasons in the SPL with Falkirk.

Steven started his career in London with Crystal Palace as a 16 year-old. He broke into the first-team four years later and made 105 appearances for the Eagles at Championship level. In 2003 he joined Peterborough, where he was a first-team regular for two seasons before moving north to Scotland.

Of his career change, he said: “I made the decision last year that this would be my final season as a full-time player. I have been studying for four or five years and I’m now fully qualified and have secured a job in London.

“My wife Bryony is from London anyway and she wanted to move closer to her family. I’ve been a footballer for 18 years and now it’s time to enter the real world.

“Fortunately Nicky Forster heard that I was moving back to London and he called me up. Signing for Dover gives me the chance to continue playing on a part-time basis. I love the game so it’s the best of both worlds.”

One of the highlights of his time in Scotland was scoring two goals as St Mirren thrashed Celtic 4–0 in the SPL on 24 March 2010. This result came soon after a 1-0 defeat to Rangers in the Scottish League Cup Final at Hampden Park in front of 44,000 spectators. Thomson played the full 90 minutes.

Typically an occasional scorer of good goals rather than a regular on the scoresheet, he netted twice for St Mirren this season and 11 times in 120 games for The Buddies.

He now joins Nicky Forster’s project at Crabble, the first target to join the club this summer in an effort to strengthen the squad of 10 existing players already signed on contract.

*Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic have announced their pricing structure for the 2012-13 season. The club have listened to the concerns and feedback from supporters and hope that the new pricing structure goes some way in addressing many of the issues. *BF*

The scheme is set to cost the football club over £10,000 to put in place as a result of the direct loss in income from receipts, but it is hoped this will be balanced by an increase in attendances.

*BS*Match day pricing*BF*

The changes to our matchday pricing reflects a general consensus amongst supporters, the board and the wider community, that the club need to be encouraging a new generation of supporters along to Crabble.

+ We will be freezing prices for Adults and Over 60s at £12 and £9 respectively.
+ We will be lowering the price for Under 18’s to £5.
+ In the biggest pricing change at the club in years, we will be making entry for under 11s FREE when accompanied by a paying adult*IS* (on the day or season ticket holder – up to a maximum of four children per adult).*IF*

There will be no change to seating prices for those paying on the day.

*BS*Season Tickets*BF*

We’ll be freezing both our early-bird discount and late purchase prices at last years rates. More over we’re including seating for all season ticket holders, to add extra value to your ticket. Under 11’s are now free, so to replace the 11-16 season ticket we’ll now offer an under 18’s season ticket.

*BS*Before June 30th 2012 Season Tickets will be priced at: *BF*

Adults: £210
Over 60’s: £149
Under 18s: £70

*BS*After June 30th 2012 Season Tickets will be priced at: *BF*

Adults: £240
Over 60’s: £179
Under 18s: £95

*BS*Season Ticket holders will also receive other benefits including:*BF*

+ £10 off pre-ordered replica shirt.
+ 2 X Free tickets to bring a friend to a home league game of your choice.(worth upto £24)
+ Access to all pre-season games included.
+ First option on Cup tickets.
+ Entry into prize draw for Signed replica shirt.

*BS*Dover Athletic have completed the signing of vastly experienced midfielder Steven Thomson from St Mirren.*BF*

The 34 year-old made the decision to quit full-time football at the end of his 18th season as a professional to pursue at career as a financial advisor in London.

He played alongside Nicky Forster for Brighton in 2008 and Whites’ boss has convinced Thomson that Crabble is the right place for him to combine his new career with semi-professional football.

The Dover squad is currently light on numbers in midfield with Glen Southam and Michael Corcoran yet to sign new contracts. Steven’s arrival will add both experience and quality to Forster’s new-look team for next season.

The Glaswegian made 31 appearances for the Scottish Premier League club this season and more than 100 in his three years at St Mirren. Prior to his year at Brighton, he had spent three seasons in the SPL with Falkirk.

Steven started his career in London with Crystal Palace as a 16 year-old. He broke into the first-team four years later and made 105 appearances for the Eagles at Championship level. In 2003 he joined Peterborough, where he was a first-team regular for two seasons before moving north to Scotland.

Of his career change, he said: “I made the decision last year that this would be my final season as a full-time player. I have been studying for four or five years and I’m now fully qualified and have secured a job in London.

“My wife Bryony is from London anyway and she wanted to move closer to her family. I’ve been a footballer for 18 years and now it’s time to enter the real world.

“Fortunately Nicky Forster heard that I was moving back to London and he called me up. Signing for Dover gives me the chance to continue playing on a part-time basis. I love the game so it’s the best of both worlds.”

One of the highlights of his time in Scotland was scoring two goals as St Mirren thrashed Celtic 4–0 in the SPL on 24 March 2010. This result came soon after a 1-0 defeat to Rangers in the Scottish League Cup Final at Hampden Park in front of 44,000 spectators. Thomson played the full 90 minutes.

Typically an occasional scorer of good goals rather than a regular on the scoresheet, he netted twice for St Mirren this season and 11 times in 120 games for The Buddies.

He now joins Nicky Forster’s project at Crabble, the first target to join the club this summer in an effort to strengthen the squad of 10 existing players already signed on contract.

*Link1*

*BS*Dover Athletic have announced their pricing structure for the 2012-13 season. The club have listened to the concerns and feedback from supporters and hope that the new pricing structure goes some way in addressing many of the issues. *BF*

The scheme is set to cost the football club over £10,000 to put in place as a result of the direct loss in income from receipts, but it is hoped this will be balanced by an increase in attendances.

*BS*Match day pricing*BF*

The changes to our matchday pricing reflects a general consensus amongst supporters, the board and the wider community, that the club need to be encouraging a new generation of supporters along to Crabble.

+ We will be freezing prices for Adults and Over 60s at £12 and £9 respectively.
+ We will be lowering the price for Under 18’s to £5.
+ In the biggest pricing change at the club in years, we will be making entry for under 11s FREE when accompanied by a paying adult*IS* (on the day or season ticket holder – up to a maximum of four children per adult).*IF*

There will be no change to seating prices for those paying on the day.

*BS*Season Tickets*BF*

We’ll be freezing both our early-bird discount and late purchase prices at last years rates. More over we’re including seating for all season ticket holders, to add extra value to your ticket. Under 11’s are now free, so to replace the 11-16 season ticket we’ll now offer an under 18’s season ticket.

*BS*Before June 30th 2012 Season Tickets will be priced at: *BF*

Adults: £210
Over 60’s: £149
Under 18s: £70

*BS*After June 30th 2012 Season Tickets will be priced at: *BF*

Adults: £240
Over 60’s: £179
Under 18s: £95

*BS*Season Ticket holders will also receive other benefits including:*BF*

+ £10 off pre-ordered replica shirt.
+ 2 X Free tickets to bring a friend to a home league game of your choice.(worth upto £24)
+ Access to all pre-season games included.
+ First option on Cup tickets.
+ Entry into prize draw for Signed replica shirt.