The new season for Dover Athletic is already upon us, and with one preseason game left to go against Lancing FC, there’s no better time to look at what’s ahead in this new season for the Whites.

Dover will be looking to try and bounce back this season, after last season’s relegation from the National League South. Joining the Whites in step 3 are Dartford, who will be eager to correct their wrongs last season and jump straight back into the National League South. The two fixtures between Dover and Dartford will be tasty ones indeed, particularly if there are certain league places up for grabs at the end of the season, with the two facing off in the third to last match of the season. 

Ties against the likes Hastings United, Hashtag United, promotion chasing Billericay and, of course, local rivals Folkestone Invicta gives the fans plenty to look forward too. The local derby against Folkestone is less than two weeks away, with the two coming head to head against each other on Tuesday 13th August, and again on the 5th November, which is also controversially on a Tuesday night. 

There are also plenty of new faces around the club, with new signings coming in to try and push Jake Leberl’s Whites to a much better season than last. Mitch Walker returning will also inject a positive atmosphere in and around the club, on and off the pitch, and his history at the club and experience is no doubt going to be vital for the team in this upcoming season.

Joining him from Whitehawk are the defensive duo of Joe Tennent and Luca Cocoracchio, who will add solidity to the defence, alongside Gyebi. 

There’s also some familiar faces who have signed for another season, with Baptiste, Nikaj and Wilkinson all confirmed to be staying on for the season, alongside others like Young, Holness, Hatcher and Roman Charles-Cook. These names will give continuity in the team and, having been at the club for some time now, they will bring with them huge amounts of passion and will undoubtably be playing for the badge. 

Dover head to Potters Bar for the first game of the season, which kicks off at 3pm on August 10th, which is just next week. The Whites will be looking to make a good start to the season at a tricky place, with the hopes of picking up all 3 points on the road. 

I hope it will be an incredible season for Dover, but first, the final preseason game against Lancing FC takes place at Crabble this Saturday with kick off at 3pm. Can the Whites end a positive preseason with a win?

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/xdq83Dz8XCE

George Wilkinson discusses his decision to stay with Dover Athletic. Emphasizing the importance of gaining more playtime and improving his game, with hopes of scoring more goals and assists in the coming season.

Wilkinson, a local talent who came up through the club’s youth system, shares memories of playing in the National League and reflects on the team’s difficult times, including relegation and the impact of COVID-19.

He speaks fondly of his first season in men’s football, the positive changes under the current manager and the team’s efforts to improve and recruit new talent.

Dover Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce that midfielder George Wilkinson has agreed terms to remain at the Megger Community Stadium for the 2024/25 season.

George, a Dover Athletic Academy graduate, signed his first senior deal with the club in January 2022. The then 18-year-old made his first start for Andy Hessenthaler’s side in the 2-1 National League defeat at Wealdstone that January. He went on the make a further 22 appearances in the National League, scoring once – that spectacular effort at Wrexham. Wilkinson has gone on to make 50 National League South appearances, finding the net three times.

Boss Jake Leberl has said:

We are delighted that George has agreed to stay for another season. I thought he did very well last season and I look forward to working with him again. I know George will work hard to reach his full potential and fulfill his own personal goals whilst helping us move forward as a team. He’s a local lad and academy graduate and a key part of bringing the feel good factor back to this club. 

Jake Leberl

Don’t miss your chance to sponsor Wilkinson this season. Home £100, Away £90, Home and Away £180. You’ll be named in our Matchday Magazine for duration of the season and named on doverathletic.com for the season. You’ll have the chance to meet George and receive his shirt at the end of the season. All sponsors are entered into a prize draw to win 2 X Premier Club day passes for the last game of the season. To purchase, please contact the office by phone on 01304822373, or alternatively pop into reception on a matchday.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Folkestone in style? Of course you do.

The boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

• Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A one-course meal served at your table
• Reserved undercover premium padded seating
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
• Complimentary match day team sheet

The very special experience costs £15 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

Main:

Cottage Pie, Peas and Gravy

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/slypYaXYDJ4

In the second part of his interview, George Nikaj reflects on a difficult couple of seasons, he discusses the impact of new manager Jake Leberl who emphasizes a positive atmosphere and instills confidence in players like George.

George also shares his involvement in local coaching, aiming to inspire young players to join Dover Athletic. He expresses a strong connection to the club and hopes to see Dover return to higher levels, urging fans to support the team in the upcoming season, as there is optimism and potential for something special.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/-Zyphgo1Ll4

In this interview, George Nikaj, shares his thoughts on the preseason and his football journey. He reflects on the team’s positive preseason performance and training under Jake.

George recounts his personal journey and joining the Dover Athletic academy. He credits coach Mike with helping him develop both physically and mentally.

He discusses making his first-team debut in the National League at 18, after recovering from a significant injury. George also talks about the challenges the team faced during a difficult season following a points deduction. He learned valuable lessons about game management and the harsh realities of competitive football.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/lK_6eOFhLEI

GEORGE NIKAJ reveals who the worst dressed person is in the Dover Athletic changing room.

The attacker also spills the beans on who has the best and worst playlists at Crabble.

And he also pokes fun and confirms who the biggest joker is at the club.

Nikaj took time out from a busy pre-season getting in shape for the new campaign to sit down with Justin Allen in a two-part feature that starts tomorrow.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILivfKbmCyw

MITCH WALKER in the final part of this interview talks about the current squad and previous managers. He recounts his departure from the club, his subsequent injury at Aldershot, the challenges of rehabilitation, and his stint at Whitehawk.

Mitch describes the competitive nature of the league, the significance of building momentum, and the positive atmosphere within the team and among fans.

The Whites are on the lookout for a volunteer PA Announcer to join the team.

We are looking for a volunteer PA announce to work as part of the team covering match days working on a rota basis. Your role will be to read out the teams, goals, substitutions and any other announcements that you would normally hear on a match day.

Free entry to games and a free meal will be provided for the candidate.

Volunteers are a vital component of the running of the Club, and we remain incredibly grateful for the help we receive.

For anyone interested in the position, please contact [email protected] or pop into the office.

We are delighted to announce the signing of defender, Tamas Amgbaduba. Last season Tamas played for Walthamstow FC, competing in the Isthmian League North Division​. Amgbaduba has also played for Welwyn Garden City, where he was noted for his versatility along the backline and leadership qualities. Tamas is the brother of Eniye Amgbaduba and scored in our preseason game against Whitstable Town.

Welcome to Crabble, Tamas.