*BS*Dover Athletic are delighted to announce that manager Nicky Forster and assistant boss Steve Brown have signed extended contracts with the club until May 2014.*BF*

In addition, recently appointed fitness coach Niall Clark is fully committed as part of the management team.

Forster and Brown joined the club in October and have gradually made improvements to the playing squad and performances to put the side well within reach of a play-off place.

The addition of Clark has made a big impact on the players’ fitness and stamina. This has been evident in recent displays and helped the team produce its best football of the season.

The two year extensions made to Forster and Brown’s contracts demonstrates that they hold long term ambitions with the club beyond their immediate aims for this season.

This follows the recent commitment of Tom Wynter, Terry Dixon and new signing Ian Simpemba to the club for the next 18 months.

*BS*Front man Terry Dixon has explained that the support he has received from both players and staff at the club was a crucial factor in his decision to extend his contract.*BF*

At the end of last week the ex Spurs and West Ham striker penned a deal to keep him at Crabble until May 2013, the longest time he has pledged to any club since his spell with the Hammers.

Dixon joined the Whites in December on a short-term deal from League Two Bradford City, and the club made an immediate impression on him.

Terry said: “The best thing about the club is that it’s just so professional, I mean we have a laugh but when it’s time to work we get on and get it done.”

However the stand out feature for Terry was the encouragement he received from Nicky Forster and his assistant Steve Brown.

He explained: “The Gaffer and ‘Browny’ just give me so much confidence which really helps me to express myself on the pitch.”

This is something which he says he hasn’t experienced since his days at Tottenham and is now keen to pay Forster back for the faith he has placed in him.

*Ppic1*Having such high levels of support is vital to Dixon, who hasn’t had the easiest of footballing careers.

He has had to fight back from a number of severe knee injuries which have at times even threatened his career. He recalled: “My third operation at Tottenham was the most serious. After the op I was told that I’d never play football again.”

Having put all of that behind him he admits that now he’s just eager to play football. The 22 year old, who has scored European Championship goals for Ireland at under 17 level, believes that his strengths lie in his link up play but still wants to bag at least ten goals before the end of the season.

In addition to this he maintains that reaching the play-offs is still a very real prospect for the club: “We’ve got the mentality that we just need to keep winning and I think we’re playing some of the best football in the league at the moment.”

*BS*Dover Athletic are delighted to announce that manager Nicky Forster and assistant boss Steve Brown have signed extended contracts with the club until May 2014.*BF*

In addition, recently appointed fitness coach Niall Clark is fully committed as part of the management team.

Forster and Brown joined the club in October and have gradually made improvements to the playing squad and performances to put the side well within reach of a play-off place.

The addition of Clark has made a big impact on the players’ fitness and stamina. This has been evident in recent displays and helped the team produce its best football of the season.

The two year extensions made to Forster and Brown’s contracts demonstrates that they hold long term ambitions with the club beyond their immediate aims for this season.

This follows the recent commitment of Tom Wynter, Terry Dixon and new signing Ian Simpemba to the club for the next 18 months.

*BS*Front man Terry Dixon has explained that the support he has received from both players and staff at the club was a crucial factor in his decision to extend his contract.*BF*

At the end of last week the ex Spurs and West Ham striker penned a deal to keep him at Crabble until May 2013, the longest time he has pledged to any club since his spell with the Hammers.

Dixon joined the Whites in December on a short-term deal from League Two Bradford City, and the club made an immediate impression on him.

Terry said: “The best thing about the club is that it’s just so professional, I mean we have a laugh but when it’s time to work we get on and get it done.”

However the stand out feature for Terry was the encouragement he received from Nicky Forster and his assistant Steve Brown.

He explained: “The Gaffer and ‘Browny’ just give me so much confidence which really helps me to express myself on the pitch.”

This is something which he says he hasn’t experienced since his days at Tottenham and is now keen to pay Forster back for the faith he has placed in him.

*Ppic1*Having such high levels of support is vital to Dixon, who hasn’t had the easiest of footballing careers.

He has had to fight back from a number of severe knee injuries which have at times even threatened his career. He recalled: “My third operation at Tottenham was the most serious. After the op I was told that I’d never play football again.”

Having put all of that behind him he admits that now he’s just eager to play football. The 22 year old, who has scored European Championship goals for Ireland at under 17 level, believes that his strengths lie in his link up play but still wants to bag at least ten goals before the end of the season.

In addition to this he maintains that reaching the play-offs is still a very real prospect for the club: “We’ve got the mentality that we just need to keep winning and I think we’re playing some of the best football in the league at the moment.”

*BS*Mark Winter continues his new weekly column with a reminiscence of the impact a substitute can make at any level…*BF*

A week or so ago, I offered to write a Dover Sunday League column for this website. Having been very politely turned down, it wasn’t too difficult for me to appreciate why such scribblings wouldn’t have been appropriate here.

In essence, I’d simply be asking the club to indulge me while I mercilessly take the rise out of my mates. Having earned a few quid for the better part of 14 years doing just that, I’m happy to cut my losses and accept that I had a good run for somebody else’s money.

No matter, as the comings and goings in the local league have given me a wealth of anecdotes to dip into from time to time, particularly when I’m seeking to raise a chuckle and illustrate the lighter side of the game. Hence I shall crave your indulgence as I relate the tale of how I was privileged enough to have witnessed the most remarkable contribution ever made by a substitute (I expect) in the league’s 46-year history.

Our story is set in the 2001-2002 season when over-40s side Bull Fossils are making a reasonable fist of competing against much younger sides in the Dover & District Sunday Football League. Having bucked up after a slow start, the Coffin Dodgers, as they are known locally, were drawn at home in the Diesel Johnny Cup to a club with a proud and distinguished history: Snowdown Colliery Welfare.

“At home” was the message that everyone got, apart from one Fossils’ squad member. In these days of super-injunctions, I shall recognise the fellow’s right to privacy to a degree; let’s simply call him Fraser if for no other reason than this is actually his name. Fraser, an amiable and highly intelligent Scotsman on his day, had turned up at Snowdown’s Spinney Lane ground, some 12 miles away from the Danes in Dover where the tie was about to kick off. Responding admirably to the clarion cry, “you’re sub, get yourself here double quick,” Fraser quite literally got on his bike to ensure that he was kitted out and ready to strut his not inconsiderable stuff some 10 minutes after the start of what proved to be an end-to-end affair between two well-matched sides.

‘Ready’ might not be the most appropriate adjective to describe his situation, however. Fraser needed a further 10 minutes to appreciate that the game he was watching during his warm-up run wasn’t actually ours. When the penny dropped that we’d swapped shirts with another club to avoid a colour clash with the Colliers, he joined the rest of us on the touchline of an adjacent pitch. In the finest traditions of the Sunday morning game, Fraser took, squarely on the chin, a volley of good-natured abuse that was harsh, yet fair and unremitting. As the game itself became a support act to some top-notch Vaudevillian cabaret, Snowdown scored twice to take a lead into the half-time interval.

Many, I’m certain, will share my view that when a day starts this badly it seldom improves. As something of a weedy pigeon, I would almost certainly have returned to a horizontal position under my duvet long before reaching this juncture. Luckily, our ebullient Braveheart was made of much sterner stuff and if the two fine goals he scored during his second half cameo didn’t fit his dullard-of-the-day persona, they were very much in keeping with the fabulous game they decided in the Fossils’ favour. Such was the quality of our hero’s first goals of the season, they seemed certain to erase all memory of his earlier misfortunes. Or would have done in a fair and just world.

It was some time after the final whistle that we discovered, with celebrations of an unexpected victory well under way in the dressing room, that the man of the hour was nowhere to be seen. Subsequent investigations revealed that Fraser, with hands on hips and adopting a semblance of a man-of-action gait, was still on the pitch and standing adjacent to the centre spot where he had placed the match ball. In short, the man who’d won the game had no idea he’d done so, and was waiting to kick off extra time, being oblivious to the fact that we’d taken an early lead before his arrival and had won the game 3-2.

Fraser’s protestations that he should have been alerted to this fact were reasonable, but dismissed under the where-would-have-been-the-fun-in-that principal. 10 years on and pushing 50 rather firmly, our man still turns out regularly and still hopes to live this story down.

I find his optimism misplaced but quite touching.

*BS*Mark Winter continues his new weekly column with a reminiscence of the impact a substitute can make at any level…*BF*

A week or so ago, I offered to write a Dover Sunday League column for this website. Having been very politely turned down, it wasn’t too difficult for me to appreciate why such scribblings wouldn’t have been appropriate here.

In essence, I’d simply be asking the club to indulge me while I mercilessly take the rise out of my mates. Having earned a few quid for the better part of 14 years doing just that, I’m happy to cut my losses and accept that I had a good run for somebody else’s money.

No matter, as the comings and goings in the local league have given me a wealth of anecdotes to dip into from time to time, particularly when I’m seeking to raise a chuckle and illustrate the lighter side of the game. Hence I shall crave your indulgence as I relate the tale of how I was privileged enough to have witnessed the most remarkable contribution ever made by a substitute (I expect) in the league’s 46-year history.

Our story is set in the 2001-2002 season when over-40s side Bull Fossils are making a reasonable fist of competing against much younger sides in the Dover & District Sunday Football League. Having bucked up after a slow start, the Coffin Dodgers, as they are known locally, were drawn at home in the Diesel Johnny Cup to a club with a proud and distinguished history: Snowdown Colliery Welfare.

“At home” was the message that everyone got, apart from one Fossils’ squad member. In these days of super-injunctions, I shall recognise the fellow’s right to privacy to a degree; let’s simply call him Fraser if for no other reason than this is actually his name. Fraser, an amiable and highly intelligent Scotsman on his day, had turned up at Snowdown’s Spinney Lane ground, some 12 miles away from the Danes in Dover where the tie was about to kick off. Responding admirably to the clarion cry, “you’re sub, get yourself here double quick,” Fraser quite literally got on his bike to ensure that he was kitted out and ready to strut his not inconsiderable stuff some 10 minutes after the start of what proved to be an end-to-end affair between two well-matched sides.

‘Ready’ might not be the most appropriate adjective to describe his situation, however. Fraser needed a further 10 minutes to appreciate that the game he was watching during his warm-up run wasn’t actually ours. When the penny dropped that we’d swapped shirts with another club to avoid a colour clash with the Colliers, he joined the rest of us on the touchline of an adjacent pitch. In the finest traditions of the Sunday morning game, Fraser took, squarely on the chin, a volley of good-natured abuse that was harsh, yet fair and unremitting. As the game itself became a support act to some top-notch Vaudevillian cabaret, Snowdown scored twice to take a lead into the half-time interval.

Many, I’m certain, will share my view that when a day starts this badly it seldom improves. As something of a weedy pigeon, I would almost certainly have returned to a horizontal position under my duvet long before reaching this juncture. Luckily, our ebullient Braveheart was made of much sterner stuff and if the two fine goals he scored during his second half cameo didn’t fit his dullard-of-the-day persona, they were very much in keeping with the fabulous game they decided in the Fossils’ favour. Such was the quality of our hero’s first goals of the season, they seemed certain to erase all memory of his earlier misfortunes. Or would have done in a fair and just world.

It was some time after the final whistle that we discovered, with celebrations of an unexpected victory well under way in the dressing room, that the man of the hour was nowhere to be seen. Subsequent investigations revealed that Fraser, with hands on hips and adopting a semblance of a man-of-action gait, was still on the pitch and standing adjacent to the centre spot where he had placed the match ball. In short, the man who’d won the game had no idea he’d done so, and was waiting to kick off extra time, being oblivious to the fact that we’d taken an early lead before his arrival and had won the game 3-2.

Fraser’s protestations that he should have been alerted to this fact were reasonable, but dismissed under the where-would-have-been-the-fun-in-that principal. 10 years on and pushing 50 rather firmly, our man still turns out regularly and still hopes to live this story down.

I find his optimism misplaced but quite touching.

*BS*In this week’s blog Nicky Forster comments on Saturday’s trial game against Gillingham, plus the latest additions to the squad:*BF*

We have had a rare break from league action this weekend which gave us a chance to arrange a behind closed doors friendly for some players that were in much need of a game.

We don’t have a big enough squad to warrant being in a reserve league and so at times it is a difficult balance to keep those boys who are not in the first team at present as close to match fit as possible.

Gillingham brought down a team made up of 1st year pro’s and youth team boys who provided a good game for our lads, which we ended up losing 3-2.

We had two trialists playing for us and although they played well enough on the day, we feel that they are not what we are looking for and as a result we will not be looking do to anything further at this time.

Two players have committed to themselves to the club over the past few days who we are delighted to have added to our squad.

Terry Dixon has signed an 18 month extension to the deal which was due to run out this weekend. Having started at the very top with Spurs he has been extremely unlucky with injuries and is now looking to play some football, return to full fitness and see how far his undoubted talent can take him. I think, like me, all Dover fans will be excited at the prospect of seeing a fully fit Terry as he has already made a huge impact in the short time he has been here.

*Lpic1*I think I owe Bradford manager and good friend Phil Parkinson a bottle of wine for steering Terry our way.

We have also secured the services of Ebbsfleet defender Ian Simpemba, who we tracked for some time waiting for his availability. He also signs an 18 month contract.

Although we are always looking to add quality to our squad we will only do so if we believe that the player is right for us, both ability wise and mentally – which we feel that these two players do.

It is also encouraging to note that both players have turned down offers from other clubs within our division to sign for us.

This week we have a tough away game with Dorchester, who Steve and I saw at Eastbourne Borough on Saturday afternoon. They are an organised team who break well at pace, and we will certainly have to be at our best to come back with a result. I hope to see some of you there cheering us on.

Come On You Whites!

Fozzy

*BS*SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS:*BF*
If you would like to ask Nicky a question, please leave a comment below or via Twitter. Alternatively you can email us. The manager will answer a couple of your questions each week in his blog.

*BS*In this week’s blog Nicky Forster comments on Saturday’s trial game against Gillingham, plus the latest additions to the squad:*BF*

We have had a rare break from league action this weekend which gave us a chance to arrange a behind closed doors friendly for some players that were in much need of a game.

We don’t have a big enough squad to warrant being in a reserve league and so at times it is a difficult balance to keep those boys who are not in the first team at present as close to match fit as possible.

Gillingham brought down a team made up of 1st year pro’s and youth team boys who provided a good game for our lads, which we ended up losing 3-2.

We had two trialists playing for us and although they played well enough on the day, we feel that they are not what we are looking for and as a result we will not be looking do to anything further at this time.

Two players have committed to themselves to the club over the past few days who we are delighted to have added to our squad.

Terry Dixon has signed an 18 month extension to the deal which was due to run out this weekend. Having started at the very top with Spurs he has been extremely unlucky with injuries and is now looking to play some football, return to full fitness and see how far his undoubted talent can take him. I think, like me, all Dover fans will be excited at the prospect of seeing a fully fit Terry as he has already made a huge impact in the short time he has been here.

*Lpic1*I think I owe Bradford manager and good friend Phil Parkinson a bottle of wine for steering Terry our way.

We have also secured the services of Ebbsfleet defender Ian Simpemba, who we tracked for some time waiting for his availability. He also signs an 18 month contract.

Although we are always looking to add quality to our squad we will only do so if we believe that the player is right for us, both ability wise and mentally – which we feel that these two players do.

It is also encouraging to note that both players have turned down offers from other clubs within our division to sign for us.

This week we have a tough away game with Dorchester, who Steve and I saw at Eastbourne Borough on Saturday afternoon. They are an organised team who break well at pace, and we will certainly have to be at our best to come back with a result. I hope to see some of you there cheering us on.

Come On You Whites!

Fozzy

*BS*SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS:*BF*
If you would like to ask Nicky a question, please leave a comment below or via Twitter. Alternatively you can email us. The manager will answer a couple of your questions each week in his blog.

*BS*Dover captain Shane Huke blogs this week about Saturday’s game at Dorchester and a rare weekend off…*BF*

Firstly, I’d like to say a quick congratulations to Tom Wynter and Terry Dixon for successfully signing new contracts with the club.

I’m sure everyone would agree these are two good captures for the club. We also welcome Ian Simpemba, who I’m sure will settle in well.

I’ve personally had the pleasure to play alongside Tommy this season and I can honestly say in my eyes, he has made a fantastic contribution this season.

Off the top of my head I think his played every minute of every game this year bar that eye-opening decision down at Truro, so I’m sure everyone out there is delighted he will be a Dover player again next year… especially Huey and Puey, two of his mates he went to a Rihanna concert with!

*Ppic1*So no game at the weekend, which in a way was nice, coming quite quickly after a busy Christmas schedule. It’s very rare to get a weekend off during the season and it was good to recharge the batteries ready for the second half of the season. This will be the time when we have to pull together even more and fight hard for one of the all important spots, which we all know we can do.

Our next game takes us to Dorchester where, at home, we opened the season with a good 4-0 win under our belts. Of course we hope to go there and do the same, although I don’t think it will be as easy as they have picked up a few good results lately and have now passed us in the league.

So we know we have a battle on our hands but, in all honesty, I think the last few games have been a battle too. Both games against Eastbourne and the one against Eastleigh were a physical and mental challenge and we got some good results out of it, which could have been better if some decisions had gone our way. We are on good form at the moment and hopefully this will continue for the remainder of the season.

For all the fans going this weekend, an early thank you from the club for your support.

Hukey

*BS*SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS:*BF*
If you would like to ask Shane a question, please leave a comment below or via Twitter. Alternatively you can email us. The skipper will answer a couple of your questions each week in his blog.

*BS*Dover Athletic have finalised the signing of Ian Simpemba from Blue Square Bet Premier club Ebbsfleet United.*BF*

The strong and experienced defender has agreed a contract until May 2013, after the clubs settled on a nominal fee.

Manager Nicky Forster said: “Ian is a commanding centre back and a leader.

“He comes with a wealth of experience at this level and at 28 is at a good age to continue improving.

“His focus and desire to be part of a winning team is evident. We have tracked him for some time now, waiting for his availability and are delighted that he has decided to sign for us.”

Simpemba was an unused substitute for Ebbsfleet on Saturday but has played in 20 of their 27 league matches in Blue Square Bet Premier this season.

The Irishman has won promotion from Blue Square Bet South before, as captain of Lewes in 2007/08. He also became captain at Havant in 2009, playing 141 times in only three seasons.

*Link1*