Manager Andy Hessenthaler was a tough competitor in his playing days.

Those fans game enough to play against him and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble on Sunday will discover the Gaffer hasn’t lost his competitive spirit.

Hessenthaler’s squad of former Dover stars will take on two teams of supporters managed by Warren ‘Pep’ Dyer.

One of Dyer’s teams will play in the first half before the other plays in the second.

Hessenthaler, who will be the player/manager of his side,  said he was certainly up for the challenge.

“Friendly is it? I don’t know the meaning of that,” he laughed.

“Seriously though, we’re all really looking forward to the day – it should be a great one with some of the greatest names to have played for the club returning to what was familiar territory during their playing days.

“It’s fantastic that all these lads are coming back to support the club when we need it.

“What is important is that it continues to help engage us as a football club back into the community and the community back into the football club.

“To build those close relationships is really important. The importance of a football club on its community is massive, it’s huge and something I believe in.

“I look forward to seeing as many fans, both old and new, as possible on Sunday.”

You can see the message Hessenthaler sent to his fans counterpart Warren Dyer and his players Hess message

Pep Guardiola will be in the opposite dugout to Andy Hessenthaler when supporters tackle our manager and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble this Sunday.

Well, not quite the Manchester City manager – Dover’s own version … Warren Dyer.

The lifelong Whites fan was the winning bidder to go head-to-head with Hess in the event and he’s really looking forward to the experience.

He said: “It’s going to be absolutely fantastic. I’d love to be playing, but those days are well behind me, so doing this job is the next best thing.

“I’ve been addicted to the club since my dad first took me to a game in 1981 and I’d do anything to help raise money for it – that’s why I bid.

“It’s a chance of a lifetime to be on the touchline and to see those legends I used to watch from the terraces play from close range.

“I cannot wait.”

But does Dyer have any previous managerial experience?

“Well, I am a manager at Asda and I’ve played plenty of Football Manager on the computer,” he laughed.

“It’s going to be fun pitting my knowledge against Hess!

Dyer suffered a couple of setbacks in his preparations this week with a couple of players pulling out through illness.

However, Muj Aspendos has stepped in with his two brothers, Nick and Nich, to play and the trio has donated £500 to the cause, taking the tally raised to almost £3000.

The referee, James Crascall, is also a lifelong Dover fan who will make the trip from Portsmouth to take charge – he’s also donated money for the occasion.

The match kicks off at 1pm and fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation.

The Centre Spot will also be open from 11am and a playing shirt signed by the Hess XI will be raffled on the day.

Dyer’s squads are:

First half: Dan Fletcher (GK), Andy Rolfe, Jack Arrowsmith, Bradley Bough, Nathan Charlton, Michael Pott, Jamie Parsons, John Matthews, Frazer Duncan, Jason Scoble, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.

Second half: Andrew Belson (GK), John McNicoll, Tom Mears, Ian Sullivan, Brad Shrewsbury, Charlie Brown, Nick Elms, Jamie Parsons, Brendan Ulyatt, Jay Parks, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.

Hessenthaler’s squad includes: