*BS*Nicky Forster reflects on a frustrating couple of weeks without a game and looks forward to the friendly against Whitstable, which will give the full squad some action before Saturday’s match against Truro.*BF*

I’m sure like me many of you will be delighted to see that the weather has finally improved, temperatures have risen and with a bit of luck football can proceed once again.

With the huge investment that the game has seen over the past 20 years the top two divisions in the English game are now largely unaffected by frozen putches and heavy snowfall due to under-soil heating but until we get there ourselves or technology provides an answer, we remain at the mercy of the elements.

I have said before that enforced lay-offs like we have had recently create problems in many areas. Training is obviously a problem with most outdoor areas unplayable so indoor facilities such as leisure centres and school halls have to be used.

Managers and players alike want games to focus their efforts on at the end of a week to either continue or improve on their current form, and I’m sure that fans are no different.

Fitness is the biggest issue during these periods as there really is no substitute for match day tempo but under the guidance of Niall Clark we hope that when the next game finally comes we are as close to being 100% as we possibly can be.

On Wednesday night we will play Whitstable Town at Crabble to get ourselves back into the swing of things, it will be a good opportunity to work on a few things without three points at stake. There will be no restrictions on substitutions, allowing us to use the whole squad at some stage which will be vital.

Entrance on the night is free to all who want to attend so come along and enjoy the game.

With the sudden resignation of Fabio Capello last week it seems that Harry Redknapp is primed to step in and take over the role of national manager. I am not a believer that the position has to be filled by an Englishman but feel that the best man for the job should be appointed and in Redknapp I feel we have that with the added bonus that he is English. It certainly could be an exciting time for the English game! Fingers crossed!

Fozzy

Dover Athletic FC have today confirmed that they will be hosting a Friendly game against Whitstable at Perrys Crabble on Wednesday evening. Entry to the game will be FREE.

Following a lack of games over the past few weeks, a friendly game has been organised to provide the first team squad with some much needed game time.

As a gesture from the Board, entry to this game will be FREE.

The Centre Spot Venue will be open on the evening.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15th February.

Dover Athletic FC have today confirmed that they will be hosting a Friendly game against Whitstable at Perrys Crabble on Wednesday evening. Entry to the game will be FREE.

Following a lack of games over the past few weeks, a friendly game has been organised to provide the first team squad with some much needed game time.

As a gesture from the Board, entry to this game will be FREE.

The Centre Spot Venue will be open on the evening.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15th February.

*BS*Two of the club’s Academy team are heading for Spain on Monday to represent England Schoolboys against Valencia and Alicante.*BF*

Lloyd Harrington (above left) and Tom Axford (right) have been selected again after playing 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw against Australia recently.

Both players featured for the first team against Welling in the Kent Senior Cup last month. Both capable of playing in different positions, they have been given squad numbers 2 and 5 for their International duty.

The pair enjoyed their first International experience with England being held to a 0-0 draw against Australia, an experience which will undoubtedly stand them in good stead for the future.

*Ppic1*Tom Axford said: “The whole weekend was something I will remember forever, the feeling of singing the national anthem was very special and I can’t wait for Spain.”

Lloyd Harrington said: “Walking out of the tunnel to hundreds of people was very special and got me really focused for the game. The general atmosphere about the camp was buzzing and it was exciting to be a part of it.”

The pair will be flying to Spain on Monday for a week to represent England, taking part in a training camp as well as playing against Valencia and Alicante. Then next game after that will be on March 2nd against Wales.

Academy boss Michael Sandmann said: “We wish the pair well in their tour of Spain and I know they will continue to learn and develop as players, producing some more excellent performances.

“When they return from their travel I believe the experience they have gained will have a positive effect on the rest of the Academy.”

*BS*Two of the club’s Academy team are heading for Spain on Monday to represent England Schoolboys against Valencia and Alicante.*BF*

Lloyd Harrington (above left) and Tom Axford (right) have been selected again after playing 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw against Australia recently.

Both players featured for the first team against Welling in the Kent Senior Cup last month. Both capable of playing in different positions, they have been given squad numbers 2 and 5 for their International duty.

The pair enjoyed their first International experience with England being held to a 0-0 draw against Australia, an experience which will undoubtedly stand them in good stead for the future.

*Ppic1*Tom Axford said: “The whole weekend was something I will remember forever, the feeling of singing the national anthem was very special and I can’t wait for Spain.”

Lloyd Harrington said: “Walking out of the tunnel to hundreds of people was very special and got me really focused for the game. The general atmosphere about the camp was buzzing and it was exciting to be a part of it.”

The pair will be flying to Spain on Monday for a week to represent England, taking part in a training camp as well as playing against Valencia and Alicante. Then next game after that will be on March 2nd against Wales.

Academy boss Michael Sandmann said: “We wish the pair well in their tour of Spain and I know they will continue to learn and develop as players, producing some more excellent performances.

“When they return from their travel I believe the experience they have gained will have a positive effect on the rest of the Academy.”

*BS*If nothing more, last months hard fought draw against Salisbury showed the Dover faithful just how competitive the Blue Square Bet South is.*BF*

It is at this point in the season that you can fully appreciate the difficulty of attaining one of the division’s four prized play-off spots.

Crabble’s newest addition, Ian Simpemba, who has years of Conference experience behind him, believes that this challenge is not a bridge too far for the Whites.

The powerful central defender achieved promotion from the Blue Square South with Lewes in 2008 and thinks that ‘without a doubt’ Dover will be able to compete and hold their own in the Conference should they gain promotion this season.

Simpemba, the debutant and eventual man of the match against Salisbury, made it clear that all the team really need to do is adopt the right mental attitude.

He said, “This club has got more than enough talent to go up and stay in the Conference, once you get a winning mindset in this league you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting the results.”

Ian sees this mindset within the squad and drew particular attention to the sheer amount of work the players put in outside the club to ensure they are in peak condition come matchday, something which is very hard to achieve whilst playing semi-pro.
*Ppic1*
He also praised the set up at Perrys Crabble, a factor which helped him decide to sign for The Whites.

“Coming to Dover was like a breath of fresh air, it’s the most professional set up outside the Football League that I have ever seen.”

Having played for Ireland at under 16 to under 21 level along with spells for Wycombe, Crawley, Aldershot and Havant, Ian believes he can bring a wealth of experience to the squad, particularly on how to play at the sharp end of non-league football.

Also having faced Nicky Forster on the pitch a number of times he is now looking forward to working with him rather than against.

He spoke of his great respect for Forster and assistant coach Steve Brown saying, “The more time you spend with people like them the better player you will be.”

Simpemba is keen to fit into the squad as quickly as possible with his strength in the air and lack of serious injury throughout his career making him an ideal addition to the team.

He continued, “I’ve only been here a few weeks but I can see that this is a great club and I already want to fit in to the plans for the long run.”

*BS*If nothing more, last months hard fought draw against Salisbury showed the Dover faithful just how competitive the Blue Square Bet South is.*BF*

It is at this point in the season that you can fully appreciate the difficulty of attaining one of the division’s four prized play-off spots.

Crabble’s newest addition, Ian Simpemba, who has years of Conference experience behind him, believes that this challenge is not a bridge too far for the Whites.

The powerful central defender achieved promotion from the Blue Square South with Lewes in 2008 and thinks that ‘without a doubt’ Dover will be able to compete and hold their own in the Conference should they gain promotion this season.

Simpemba, the debutant and eventual man of the match against Salisbury, made it clear that all the team really need to do is adopt the right mental attitude.

He said, “This club has got more than enough talent to go up and stay in the Conference, once you get a winning mindset in this league you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting the results.”

Ian sees this mindset within the squad and drew particular attention to the sheer amount of work the players put in outside the club to ensure they are in peak condition come matchday, something which is very hard to achieve whilst playing semi-pro.
*Ppic1*
He also praised the set up at Perrys Crabble, a factor which helped him decide to sign for The Whites.

“Coming to Dover was like a breath of fresh air, it’s the most professional set up outside the Football League that I have ever seen.”

Having played for Ireland at under 16 to under 21 level along with spells for Wycombe, Crawley, Aldershot and Havant, Ian believes he can bring a wealth of experience to the squad, particularly on how to play at the sharp end of non-league football.

Also having faced Nicky Forster on the pitch a number of times he is now looking forward to working with him rather than against.

He spoke of his great respect for Forster and assistant coach Steve Brown saying, “The more time you spend with people like them the better player you will be.”

Simpemba is keen to fit into the squad as quickly as possible with his strength in the air and lack of serious injury throughout his career making him an ideal addition to the team.

He continued, “I’ve only been here a few weeks but I can see that this is a great club and I already want to fit in to the plans for the long run.”

*BS*I am pleased to invite you to our first trial for Dover Athletic Academy and The Abbey School.*BF*

The Football Academy represents Dover Athletic in the Conference Youth league, the highest league outside professional status.

The Academy players train everyday like professionals, improving their knowledge of the game in order to develop them into senior football.

They also study a range of courses at The Abbey School Sixth Form continuing with their education to gain the necessary grades to take them further in their chosen career.

The Academy has been very successful over the past couple of years resulting in 2 players making the England School Boys Squad and players earning a first team contract.

*BS*What do I need to know?*BF*

• Taking place on Thursday 16th February (during half term)
• Registration at 10.30am for an 11.00am start
• Finish approximately 2.00pm
• You need to bring full training kit including shin pads
• It will be outside on the main pitch so boots will be required
• Trials will consist of a variety of matches
• There will be shower and changing room facilities available for you to use
• Trials will be held at The Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, ME13 8RZ
• Parents are welcome to stay and watch

After the trial, you will receive a letter informing you if you have been successful or unsuccessful to attend the final trial. If you cannot make the first trial alternative arrangements can be made.

*BS*In order to attend the trial, you must fill in the slip here:*BF* *Link2*

For further details email Mr M Sandmann: *Link1*

*BS*I am pleased to invite you to our first trial for Dover Athletic Academy and The Abbey School.*BF*

The Football Academy represents Dover Athletic in the Conference Youth league, the highest league outside professional status.

The Academy players train everyday like professionals, improving their knowledge of the game in order to develop them into senior football.

They also study a range of courses at The Abbey School Sixth Form continuing with their education to gain the necessary grades to take them further in their chosen career.

The Academy has been very successful over the past couple of years resulting in 2 players making the England School Boys Squad and players earning a first team contract.

*BS*What do I need to know?*BF*

• Taking place on Thursday 16th February (during half term)
• Registration at 10.30am for an 11.00am start
• Finish approximately 2.00pm
• You need to bring full training kit including shin pads
• It will be outside on the main pitch so boots will be required
• Trials will consist of a variety of matches
• There will be shower and changing room facilities available for you to use
• Trials will be held at The Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, ME13 8RZ
• Parents are welcome to stay and watch

After the trial, you will receive a letter informing you if you have been successful or unsuccessful to attend the final trial. If you cannot make the first trial alternative arrangements can be made.

*BS*In order to attend the trial, you must fill in the slip here:*BF* *Link2*

For further details email Mr M Sandmann: *Link1*

*BS*Nicky Forster, Steve Brown and Jim Parmenter have expressed their satisfaction at agreeing extended contracts for the management team.*BF*

*BS*Nicky Forster*BF* told doverathletic.com: “I’m delighted to have extended my contract so early into my time here at the club.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my time at Dover and I feel that we can do something special here. If the three of us (including assistant Steve Brown and fitness coach Niall Clark) didn’t believe that we wouldn’t have signed.

“Ultimately the dream is to get Football League status and with the commitment shown by everyone at the club this is definitely a reality.”

Assistant boss *BS*Steve Brown*BF* said: “I think we’ve started something at Dover that’s quite exciting and the fact we’ve signed the deal shows to everybody that we think we can achieve success at Dover.

“Now our immediate goals are to quickly stabilise the squad and really challenge teams in the league and then try and repeat that in the Conference.”

Chairman *BS*Jim Parmenter*BF* commented: “I’m delighted that Nicky and his team have committed long term to the club, this shows their belief in what can be achieved at Dover Athletic.

“During his short time at the club I have developed a strong working relationship with Nicky and I am sure that we now have a situation where we can take the club forward to new heights.

“This is a very clear statement of intent on my part and I hope our supporters will get behind this investment and come to the games in numbers as they will form a very important part in making sure we achieve our aspirations.”