*BS*Dover Athletic are pleased to announce that Billy Bricknell, Barry Cogan, Shane Huke and Steven Watt agreed new deals with the club on Wednesday.*BF*

Nicky Forster now has nine players signed on contract, with more to follow soon, as he starts to mould a revamped squad for his first full season in charge at Crabble.

Bricknell, Cogan and Huke made more than 30 appearances each in 2011/12, while Watt is now coming back to full fitness following a long spell on the sidelines.

*BS*Billy Bricknell*BF* started the season with a bang, scoring four times in the first four games. After a period of niggling injuries he came back into the side and went on an outstanding run of eight goals in eight league games during February and March. Those goals helped him to claim the club’s Golden Boot award and third place in the Supporters Player of the Season.

*BS*Shane Huke*BF* produced one of the most memorable moments of the season for Dover supporters, scoring a late winner in Whites’ 3-2 victory at Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels in April. The utility man played in every position across the back four and made a couple of appearances in midfield, captaining the side on a regular basis.

*BS*Steve Watt*BF* was unfortunate to miss most of the season with a knee injury. After making a big impression in pre-season, Steve dislocated his shoulder in a friendly against Arsenal. After a successful operation he soon returned to the side, contributing to an impressive defensive record in August and September.

*Ppic1*Unfortunately a clash of knees with Wes Fogden of Havant at Crabble was more damaging than expected. Coming off worst, Steve missed the remainder of the season while Fogden went on to sign for Bournemouth and play 27 games in League One.

However, after an operation and extensive treatment the former Chelsea centre back has been gradually increasing his training regime in recent weeks and will continue his rehabilitation over the summer in preparation for pre-season.

*BS*Barry Cogan*BF* will be entering his third season with the club. The Irishman joined from Crawley in November 2010. He went on to play in our memorable FA Cup ties against Aldershot and Huddersfield.

Despite nursing a hernia injury, Barry made more than 30 appearances in 2011/12. He became the team’s creative spark in the second half of the season and won the players’ award at our presentation evening.

They join the five players who were already signed on contract: Terry Dixon, Lloyd Harrington, Sean Raggett, Ian Simpemba and Tom Wynter. News of further signings will be published on doverathletic.com as soon as they are confirmed.

The Dover Athletic board held the first of their monthly closed season meetings on Tuesday night. In a busy meeting the board ratified a number of items in relation to the 2012-13 season, which we’ll be announcing over the coming days.

A wide range of issues were discussed, with individual Directors reporting back on the projects they have been working on, some of which you’ll hear more about shortly.

There was one change in relation to the company officers, with Chris Oakley voted in as our new Vice-chairman. Chris takes over the role from Roger Knight. Naturally we would like to thank Roger for holding this position so successfully over the past five years. His contribution to the club has been, and will continue to be, vital in the club’s development.

Jim Parmenter remains Chairman and Frank Clarke remains Company Secretary.

It was agreed by all Directors that the session had been incredibly positive and that the club is making good headway in several areas including commercial sponsorship and our activities in the community.

We look forward to be telling you more about our progress over the coming weeks.

The Dover Athletic board held the first of their monthly closed season meetings on Tuesday night. In a busy meeting the board ratified a number of items in relation to the 2012-13 season, which we’ll be announcing over the coming days.

A wide range of issues were discussed, with individual Directors reporting back on the projects they have been working on, some of which you’ll hear more about shortly.

There was one change in relation to the company officers, with Chris Oakley voted in as our new Vice-chairman. Chris takes over the role from Roger Knight. Naturally we would like to thank Roger for holding this position so successfully over the past five years. His contribution to the club has been, and will continue to be, vital in the club’s development.

Jim Parmenter remains Chairman and Frank Clarke remains Company Secretary.

It was agreed by all Directors that the session had been incredibly positive and that the club is making good headway in several areas including commercial sponsorship and our activities in the community.

We look forward to be telling you more about our progress over the coming weeks.

*BS*DOVER ATHLETIC vs CANTERBURY CITY
Under 15s Kent Cup Final on Sunday 15th April – kick-off at 10.30am*BF*

Dover Athletic’s successful Under-15s side will face big rivals Canterbury City in the Kent Cup final at Faversham FC..

The team is managed by former Dover and Ramsgate defender Will Graham. He is hoping that the boys’ efforts will be rewarded with the excellent support they received in the semi final victory.

Will said: “The fantastic supporters of Dover Athletic came out in numbers to support the Under 15’s in the semi final against Maidstone at Crabble.

“I am asking for you to show your support once more and show why we are the best club in Kent. Please give the boys some more support in Faversham to bring that trophy back to Dover.

“Bring your drums, your flags, your singing voices and most importantly your passion for DAFC.”

Entry at the turnstiles will be £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Everyone at Dover Athletic is proud of the Under-15s achievements this season. We wish them good luck for the final.

*BS*DOVER ATHLETIC vs CANTERBURY CITY
Under 15s Kent Cup Final on Sunday 15th April – kick-off at 10.30am*BF*

Dover Athletic’s successful Under-15s side will face big rivals Canterbury City in the Kent Cup final at Faversham FC..

The team is managed by former Dover and Ramsgate defender Will Graham. He is hoping that the boys’ efforts will be rewarded with the excellent support they received in the semi final victory.

Will said: “The fantastic supporters of Dover Athletic came out in numbers to support the Under 15’s in the semi final against Maidstone at Crabble.

“I am asking for you to show your support once more and show why we are the best club in Kent. Please give the boys some more support in Faversham to bring that trophy back to Dover.

“Bring your drums, your flags, your singing voices and most importantly your passion for DAFC.”

Entry at the turnstiles will be £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Everyone at Dover Athletic is proud of the Under-15s achievements this season. We wish them good luck for the final.

*BS*Latest news from around the division:*BF*

*BS*Havant & Waterlooville*BF* have confirmed the departure of manager Shaun Gale following Saturday’s defeat to Basingstoke.

Gale was appointed by the club in October 2007, following the departure of then manager Ian Baird and represented the Hawks as player for three seasons, in the twilight of his playing career.

Commenting on the departure of Gale, chairman Derek Pope told the club’s official website: “Maybe it is something that should have been done a little while ago but this situation can’t go on.

“We feel Shaun can’t do anymore and by intervening it can’t get any worse. It has not been easy because I have known Shaun for a long time. But we have reached a point where we feel a need to move on.

“Shaun has done a good job at the club over the years and we would like to thank him for all he has achieved here.”

*BS*Tonbridge Angels*BF* manager Tommy Warrilow has bolstered his squad with the signing of striker Carl Rook and goalkeeper Jack Smelt.

Smelt, 20, has represented Colchester United, Croydon Athletic, Guildford City, Cray Wanderers, Ramsgate and Margate.

Rook, 29, joins the Angels from Eastbourne and has previously donned the colours of Dartford, Dover Athletic and Horsham, amongst others.

Commenting on the signing of the duo, Warrilow told Kent Online: “We have got two forwards Frannie Collin and Mikel Suarez but ‘Rooky’ has come with no money involved, just in case we might need him.

“Jack’s the same but if he can get a game elsewhere then he will.”

*BS*Basingstoke Town*BF* have secured Ashley Bayes, Stuart Lake and Jide Ogunbote on new one-year deals.

Veteran goalkeeper Bayes joined Basingstoke from Stevenage Borough in the summer of 2011 and has been ever present this term, making 38 appearances.

He started his career as an apprentice at Brentford in 1990 and has gone on to represent Torquay, Exeter, Leyton Orient, Bohemians and Woking, amongst others.

*BS*Truro City*BF* chairman Kevin Heaney has confirmed the club has been served with a winding-up order, but says their unpaid bill will be settled before the end of the month.

A statement from Heaney read: “Truro City can confirm that HM Revenue and Customs have served a fresh winding-up petition for £51,000 on Truro City FC, in relation to tax issues.

“We can confirm that at the last hearing we paid 100 per cent of what we were asked to pay at that point.

“HMRC indicated that there would be some further monies to pay and we said we would clear these monies in April, by agreement, but HMRC rejected this and subsequently told us they wanted the £51,000 sum to be paid immediately.

“We reiterated our wish to delay payment until April, which was again rejected, and the winding-up order has now been issued, for hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 30.

“The club can confirm that the £51,000 will be paid in full by that date.”

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*BS*Latest news from around the division:*BF*

*BS*Havant & Waterlooville*BF* have confirmed the departure of manager Shaun Gale following Saturday’s defeat to Basingstoke.

Gale was appointed by the club in October 2007, following the departure of then manager Ian Baird and represented the Hawks as player for three seasons, in the twilight of his playing career.

Commenting on the departure of Gale, chairman Derek Pope told the club’s official website: “Maybe it is something that should have been done a little while ago but this situation can’t go on.

“We feel Shaun can’t do anymore and by intervening it can’t get any worse. It has not been easy because I have known Shaun for a long time. But we have reached a point where we feel a need to move on.

“Shaun has done a good job at the club over the years and we would like to thank him for all he has achieved here.”

*BS*Tonbridge Angels*BF* manager Tommy Warrilow has bolstered his squad with the signing of striker Carl Rook and goalkeeper Jack Smelt.

Smelt, 20, has represented Colchester United, Croydon Athletic, Guildford City, Cray Wanderers, Ramsgate and Margate.

Rook, 29, joins the Angels from Eastbourne and has previously donned the colours of Dartford, Dover Athletic and Horsham, amongst others.

Commenting on the signing of the duo, Warrilow told Kent Online: “We have got two forwards Frannie Collin and Mikel Suarez but ‘Rooky’ has come with no money involved, just in case we might need him.

“Jack’s the same but if he can get a game elsewhere then he will.”

*BS*Basingstoke Town*BF* have secured Ashley Bayes, Stuart Lake and Jide Ogunbote on new one-year deals.

Veteran goalkeeper Bayes joined Basingstoke from Stevenage Borough in the summer of 2011 and has been ever present this term, making 38 appearances.

He started his career as an apprentice at Brentford in 1990 and has gone on to represent Torquay, Exeter, Leyton Orient, Bohemians and Woking, amongst others.

*BS*Truro City*BF* chairman Kevin Heaney has confirmed the club has been served with a winding-up order, but says their unpaid bill will be settled before the end of the month.

A statement from Heaney read: “Truro City can confirm that HM Revenue and Customs have served a fresh winding-up petition for £51,000 on Truro City FC, in relation to tax issues.

“We can confirm that at the last hearing we paid 100 per cent of what we were asked to pay at that point.

“HMRC indicated that there would be some further monies to pay and we said we would clear these monies in April, by agreement, but HMRC rejected this and subsequently told us they wanted the £51,000 sum to be paid immediately.

“We reiterated our wish to delay payment until April, which was again rejected, and the winding-up order has now been issued, for hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 30.

“The club can confirm that the £51,000 will be paid in full by that date.”

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*BS*In the town of Sligo, which sits on the North West coast of Ireland, there’s only one kind of football – the Gaelic kind. However growing up in the town Dover midfielder Barry Cogan only had eyes for what was known locally as soccer.*BF*

To get his footballing aspirations off the ground he knew he had to move away from the sleepy surroundings he’d grown up in. At the age of 12 he managed to hit this first rung of ladder and was scouted for a team called Belvedere in Dublin.

After spending two years with the club Barry was offered an unbelievable chance to come and play football in England for a short time. The interested party where Championship outfit, Millwall who offered him an initial week long trial and then a months spell that summer. After impressing in both he was offered a contract by the club.

For the 15 year old Cogan this was nothing short of a dream come true. Upping sticks in an instant and moving on your own to a different country might sound like a daunting prospect for someone so young, but the change didn’t actually faze Barry much at all.

When he landed in England the hard work really began as Cogan had to adopt to a whole new lifestyle centred around optimising his physical performance on the pitch. Fitting into this new regime carried its own problems which eventually took its toll.

“When I first came over I was quite small and actually played as a winger, then like most I had a growth spurt which caused me lots of problems when it came to staying fit”.

*Ppic1*Putting his body under so much strain led to a range of injuries which plagued his crucial early years at the club.

“I was out for a whole year with a back injury and after that I couldn’t seem to finish a whole season without picking up more injuries. This all came at a time when I was trying to break into the team”.

Despite the set backs Barry managed to break into the first team in 2004 after four years of hard work. In his time there Barry enjoyed a number of highlights including winning several man of the match awards, playing Everton in the FA Cup and appearing in two UEFA Cup matches.

But for Barry there is one moment that stands above the rest, taking on his favourite club Manchester United in the 2004 FA Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium. Barry made his appearance in the 74th minute, replacing fellow countryman Robbie Ryan, in the first substitution of the final.

Although he admits he didn’t really have a chance to take the whole occasion in, Barry still has a lot of clear memories of the day. “I was only 19 but I was still excited rather than nervous, everyone had come over from Ireland to watch the game which made things a little surreal really! But the whole build up to the day and the final itself was just an unbelievable experience”.

During Barry’s second season in the first team Millwall went through a rocky period which led to a very unsettling time at the club. “It was a time when the club was going through a lot of changes, we had four managers in one season and then the next summer they brought in 17 new players”.

The sudden influx of players had a drastic effect on the amount of first team football that was available to everyone at the club and Barry started to look elsewhere for opportunities to play more regularly.

Just before the start of the 2006 season he was given the opportunity to sign for League Two side Barnet, a chance that he jumped at. “Although I only spent a year at Barnet it was actually a really good time for me, I made 46 appearances that season and just enjoyed being part of a solid team”.

The following summer he was offered the opportunity to move up to League One and play under Ronnie Jepson at Gillingham but the manager resigned just six weeks into the new season and was replaced by Mark Stimson. The new appointment led to a huge reshuffle at the club which didn’t provide a good platform for stable performances. “It was a very difficult time to play at the club with so many players coming and going, plus I have to admit that personally I didn’t have a great season”.

With relegation beckoning and with only 21 appearances under his belt Barry went out on loan to Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic for a month. Despite the financial difficulties at the club, which saw players taking large pay cuts, Cogan flourished and capped off a successful season as the club’s top goalscorer in all competitions.

*Lpic1*This form didn’t go unnoticed and during the season Grays received a number of offers from Crawley Town manager Steve Evans. Grays managed to keep Barry during the season but when the summer came around he was released and soon joined the Red Devils.

Cogan joined Crawley and enjoyed a fruitful first season. However, unbeknown to Barry, history was about to repeat itself. “I’d had a good season but then in the summer the club had a huge injection of money and brought in a lot of new players. Competition for places suddenly got very tough and I’m not one to sit around on the bench, I just don’t enjoy it”.

In a bold move Barry arranged a meeting with the Crawley boss and asked to be released by the club. It was at this point, when Barry was looking for a new club, that he happened to speak to an old friend of his, Adam Birchall. Things moved quickly from this point and he made his debut in November 2010.

Cogan admits that he didn’t really know what to expect when he moved, “I’d never played in Conference South before but I was impressed with the club’s professionalism and the way that everything was run from the top down”.

“I thought it was going to be difficult going part time but I actually really enjoy it, it’s really helped bring back my hunger to play football”.

Driven by the simple prospect of playing first team football Barry sees his energy and work rate as key strengths and is now working on finding the net a few more times before the end of the season, which could make all the difference.