Athletic’s return to non league’s elite did not quite go according to plan as Halifax Town ran out 1-0 winners. Scott Mcmanus’ crisp strike just after half time made the difference in what was a tight affair, but Chris Kinnear saw plenty to encourage him ahead of the next 45 games. ‘I thought we played well. We had chances against a team that got into the play off semi final last year. We caused them problems and I am very pleased, though disappointed as we should have gotten something from the game. I know that we can easily compete at this level now and we just have to move on.’

He also added, ‘perhaps we were patting our backs a bit to early at half time as we switched off for ten minutes. We thought the game was there to be won and if it had been 0-0 with twenty minutes to go, then we could have brought the subs on and gone on to win the game – That was the plan. But it was easy for them to leave one up top and let us try and break them down. But that is their strength which is fair enough and something we should learn. You saw how big their defenders were today and they bombed in the corners and throw ins – That was the longest throw on I have ever come across!’

Ten of last season’s promotion winning squad started the game, much to the surprise of some after Kinnear had added six new additions to the squad over the summer. ‘There was a bit of loyalty involved’ admitted Chris, ‘but also as well we thought those lads are used to the big competitive games and as you saw, they did really well. Plus Lock (Injured) and Payne(Suspended) were unavailable.’ *Q1*

A strong crowd of 1321 witnessed the game and Kinnear was delighted with the positive vibes created by the crowd, in spite of the loss. ‘I said to the lads at the end that the fans appreciated how well they did against a side that are massive in the league as they were last year. As long as the lads give everything, then they will appreciated it. I think everybody here appreciated how well we had done and we have come a long way. It should be a good season.’

Whites face a tough August fixture wise, with games against Braintree, Grimsby, Woking, Eastleigh and Kidderminster coming up. Kinnear though is relishing the challenge. ‘We will find out what the teams are like at the top and we can hopefully go on from strength to strength and that is what we are planning to do.’

Dover’s next chance to put some points on the board is away at Braintree on Tuesday night. ‘Braintree were 6th last season and Alan Devonshire has a lot of experience and they have done quite well, but why shouldn’t we try and win?. I saw them in pre season, but they have changed their side a bit since then.’ *Q2*

*Lpic1*

*BS*Dover Athletic goalkeeper Mitch Walker talks to Jack O’Sullivan and speaks of his readiness for the new season, the club’s defensive record and his delight at staying with the club following summer rumours linking him with a move away.*BF*

One of Bill Shankly’s most famous quotes was that “goals win you games, but clean sheets win you titles”. Although it’s unlikely the Scot was specifically referring to non-league football, it’s adage that can applied to all levels of the game.

Of course, Whites did not win the title last season, although the ultimate prize – promotion – was earnt after a playoff final victory against Ebbsfleet United. How the side came to find themselves still in contention for a playoff place was largely down to the exceptional performances of the defensive unit, starting with Whites’ number one – Mitch Walker.

For the last two seasons, the side have had the best defensive record in the Conference South – the 2012/13 campaign saw 44 goals conceded in the club’s 42 games, whilst last season only 38 were conceded. Away from home, the side had one of the best defensive records in English football.

Last season, in all competitions, Walker kept 23 clean sheets and confirmed his position as one of non-league football’s greatest shot-stoppers. This has been rewarded by a string of call-ups to the England C team, and the 22-year-old is looking for another consistent season this time around.

He said: “My focus is to concede as few goals as possible, and I’m hopeful we can continue where we left off last season. It’s certainly going to be a lot harder for us, but we had the best defensive record in the Conference South for the last two seasons which goes to show how hard we’ve been working and the quality we’ve got.

“I want to carry on learning, as I know I’ve still got a lot to work on. I always try to keep level headed, never too high with anything and never too low. I just want to improve my game and hopefully we can have a good season.”

Walker was rested for the side’s final pre-season fixture, a 1-0 win over fellow Kent side Chatham Town on Tuesday night. It was the tenth friendly of the summer for Whites, and the result was the icing on the cake of was already an impressive run of form. Nine victories – including one over Gillingham – were chalked up, with only a 2-2 draw against League One side Colchester United preventing a 100% record.

St Albans-born Walker was happy with how the lead up to Saturday has gone, but stressed that the real work begins now: “Pre-season has been quite long and hard, we’ve played plenty of games and although they’ve gone well, there’s always something missing from them – the end result.

“It doesn’t overly matter if you win, lose or draw in pre-season, there’s nothing really to it.

“The team have looked very fit and sharp over the past few weeks and that is the main thing we can take out of it. The new boys have bought a little bit of added quality in, which maybe we missed at times last season.

“Our performances against Colchester and Gillingham really prove that when we played MK Dons in the FA Cup last season, it wasn’t a fluke that we gave them a good game and a good test. Before the two games against League sides this time, maybe people thought we were going to be outclassed a little bit but we certainly held our own.”

A lot of the work in pre-season has revolved around increasing fitness levels, to ensure that players have the ability to stay competitive for the whole ninety minutes. Fitness coach John Morris has been drafted into the setup, and Walker feels his input has been noticeable: “John has done wonders with the team. In football, there are lots of little things that you need to get right which are all part of the puzzle.

“He has come in and changed little things around the place and it’s certainly giving us that extra bit to our performances. Some of us have found the amount of running tough, especially to start with, but the benefits of it are now showing.

“I’m sure that when we go into the season, it will all prove worthwhile.”

Walker’s exceptional form since he joined the club in May 2012 has inevitably seen him linked with moves away from the club, with Crawley Town the latest side rumoured to be interested. To an extent, it was an understandable link – Walker trains with the League One side during the week – but nothing came of the interest and Walker says he is fully focused on the season ahead of him and happy to have another year on his current contract at Crabble.

He said: “It is all completely out of my mind now – it didn’t go through for one reason or another, but as I said to people at the time, if I was going to be staying at Dover then I would be absolutely fine with that – I’m not in a bad position at all.

“I have really enjoyed my last two seasons at the club. It’s a great club, run as a professional club and everyone – from the chairman downwards – wants to succeed.

“I’m hoping for more good times at the club in the future.”

*BS*Dover Athletic kick off their Vanarama Conference campaign against FC Halifax Town as they look to hit the ground running in front of the home fans on Saturday.*BF*

This will be the first time the Whites have played in the Football Conference since the 2001/2002 season where they played teams such as Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town, Dagenham & Redbridge and Margate.

The last time Dover lost on the opening day was also the 2001/2002 season under then manager, Neville Southall.

Chris Kinnear and his team are unbeaten in a near perfect pre-season, winning nine and drawing one.

This is the first time Dover have gone unbeaten during a pre-season campaign in the 21st century.

The Whites have scored 21 goals in pre-season with 13 different scorers, conceding just three in the process.

*Lpic1*Jake Reid, who signed for Dover after a successful trial, top scored in pre-season with four goals in eight appearances and might feature against Halifax.

A total of 10 players have been brought in by Kinnear this summer to help bring some depth into the squad.

Most recent academy signings Oliver Beard, Brendan Owusu-Ansah and Osita Isichel are all likely to be loaned out to build up more experience, and therefore won’t play on the opening day.

Kinnear’s other new signings are Christian Nanetti, Nick Deverdics, Tyrone Sterling, Sean Francis, Matt Lock, Jake Reid and Stefan Payne and are all fit and some may play a part at the weekend.

Striker Nathan Elder scored 15 goals for The Whites last season and will face competition from Reid and Payne who scored 31 goals in 46 games for AFC Hornchurch last season.

In the 2012/2013 season, Halifax Town got promoted via the play offs and had a terrific season in the Conference.

That season was the first time The Shaymen played in the Conference since the old club Halifax Town AFC were liquidated in the summer of 2008.

Halifax Town finished 5th last season and were edged out 2-1 on aggregate in the play-offs to Cambridge United, who eventually clinched promotion to League 2 beating Gateshead at Wembley.

Neil Aspin’s Halifax have had a positive pre-season having won seven from eight, beating three League 1 teams along the way which were Barnsley, Notts County and Rochdale.

The only pre-season defeat for The Shaymen was a 1-2 loss to Preston North End.

The Shaymen will no longer have last season’s second top scorer Lee Gregory after he signed for Championship club Millwall for an undisclosed fee on a three year contract.

Gregory scored 31 goals in 39 appearances for Halifax and was an integral part of their promotion push last season.

The former Macclesfield and most recently Chesterfield striker Scott Boden joined Halifax earlier this pre-season to provide extra firepower for The Shaymen.

Boden was Halifax’s top scorer in pre-season finding the net on six occasions in seven appearances.

As well as Boden, Halifax signed another former Chesterfield striker Jamie Jackson, who had been on trial at the club.

After being on loan last season from Macclesfield Town, defender James Bolton put pen to paper on a permanent deal with Halifax and could well play a part against Dover.

*Lpic2*Halifax are certainly not shy in front of goal having scored a total of 85 goals in the Conference last season which was second highest, only behind champions Luton who managed 102 goals.

The Shaymen are close to making one more final signing prior the start of the season, which could be former Huddersfield Town winger Danny Schofield who has been on trial at the club.

Dover Athletic and Halifax Town have met 10 times in the past, all of which in the Conference. Dover’s record against Halifax is won 3, drawn 3 and lost 4.

The last time the two teams met was in the 1997/1998 Conference season with Dover drawing 1-1 at The Shay ground and losing 0-1 at Crabble.

Dover’s biggest win against Halifax Town was in March 1997 where they won 1-3.

The club will be hoping to see lots of supporters at Crabble on Saturday, but those who cannot make the game can stay updated via *Link1* on twitter.

*BS*Dover Athletic goalkeeper Mitch Walker talks to Jack O’Sullivan and speaks of his readiness for the new season, the club’s defensive record and his delight at staying with the club following summer rumours linking him with a move away.*BF*

One of Bill Shankly’s most famous quotes was that “goals win you games, but clean sheets win you titles”. Although it’s unlikely the Scot was specifically referring to non-league football, it’s adage that can applied to all levels of the game.

Of course, Whites did not win the title last season, although the ultimate prize – promotion – was earnt after a playoff final victory against Ebbsfleet United. How the side came to find themselves still in contention for a playoff place was largely down to the exceptional performances of the defensive unit, starting with Whites’ number one – Mitch Walker.

For the last two seasons, the side have had the best defensive record in the Conference South – the 2012/13 campaign saw 44 goals conceded in the club’s 42 games, whilst last season only 38 were conceded. Away from home, the side had one of the best defensive records in English football.

Last season, in all competitions, Walker kept 23 clean sheets and confirmed his position as one of non-league football’s greatest shot-stoppers. This has been rewarded by a string of call-ups to the England C team, and the 22-year-old is looking for another consistent season this time around.

He said: “My focus is to concede as few goals as possible, and I’m hopeful we can continue where we left off last season. It’s certainly going to be a lot harder for us, but we had the best defensive record in the Conference South for the last two seasons which goes to show how hard we’ve been working and the quality we’ve got.

“I want to carry on learning, as I know I’ve still got a lot to work on. I always try to keep level headed, never too high with anything and never too low. I just want to improve my game and hopefully we can have a good season.”

Walker was rested for the side’s final pre-season fixture, a 1-0 win over fellow Kent side Chatham Town on Tuesday night. It was the tenth friendly of the summer for Whites, and the result was the icing on the cake of was already an impressive run of form. Nine victories – including one over Gillingham – were chalked up, with only a 2-2 draw against League One side Colchester United preventing a 100% record.

St Albans-born Walker was happy with how the lead up to Saturday has gone, but stressed that the real work begins now: “Pre-season has been quite long and hard, we’ve played plenty of games and although they’ve gone well, there’s always something missing from them – the end result.

“It doesn’t overly matter if you win, lose or draw in pre-season, there’s nothing really to it.

“The team have looked very fit and sharp over the past few weeks and that is the main thing we can take out of it. The new boys have bought a little bit of added quality in, which maybe we missed at times last season.

“Our performances against Colchester and Gillingham really prove that when we played MK Dons in the FA Cup last season, it wasn’t a fluke that we gave them a good game and a good test. Before the two games against League sides this time, maybe people thought we were going to be outclassed a little bit but we certainly held our own.”

A lot of the work in pre-season has revolved around increasing fitness levels, to ensure that players have the ability to stay competitive for the whole ninety minutes. Fitness coach John Morris has been drafted into the setup, and Walker feels his input has been noticeable: “John has done wonders with the team. In football, there are lots of little things that you need to get right which are all part of the puzzle.

“He has come in and changed little things around the place and it’s certainly giving us that extra bit to our performances. Some of us have found the amount of running tough, especially to start with, but the benefits of it are now showing.

“I’m sure that when we go into the season, it will all prove worthwhile.”

Walker’s exceptional form since he joined the club in May 2012 has inevitably seen him linked with moves away from the club, with Crawley Town the latest side rumoured to be interested. To an extent, it was an understandable link – Walker trains with the League One side during the week – but nothing came of the interest and Walker says he is fully focused on the season ahead of him and happy to have another year on his current contract at Crabble.

He said: “It is all completely out of my mind now – it didn’t go through for one reason or another, but as I said to people at the time, if I was going to be staying at Dover then I would be absolutely fine with that – I’m not in a bad position at all.

“I have really enjoyed my last two seasons at the club. It’s a great club, run as a professional club and everyone – from the chairman downwards – wants to succeed.

“I’m hoping for more good times at the club in the future.”

*BS*Dover Athletic kick off their Vanarama Conference campaign against FC Halifax Town as they look to hit the ground running in front of the home fans on Saturday.*BF*

This will be the first time the Whites have played in the Football Conference since the 2001/2002 season where they played teams such as Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town, Dagenham & Redbridge and Margate.

The last time Dover lost on the opening day was also the 2001/2002 season under then manager, Neville Southall.

Chris Kinnear and his team are unbeaten in a near perfect pre-season, winning nine and drawing one.

This is the first time Dover have gone unbeaten during a pre-season campaign in the 21st century.

The Whites have scored 21 goals in pre-season with 13 different scorers, conceding just three in the process.

*Lpic1*Jake Reid, who signed for Dover after a successful trial, top scored in pre-season with four goals in eight appearances and might feature against Halifax.

A total of 10 players have been brought in by Kinnear this summer to help bring some depth into the squad.

Most recent academy signings Oliver Beard, Brendan Owusu-Ansah and Osita Isichel are all likely to be loaned out to build up more experience, and therefore won’t play on the opening day.

Kinnear’s other new signings are Christian Nanetti, Nick Deverdics, Tyrone Sterling, Sean Francis, Matt Lock, Jake Reid and Stefan Payne and are all fit and some may play a part at the weekend.

Striker Nathan Elder scored 15 goals for The Whites last season and will face competition from Reid and Payne who scored 31 goals in 46 games for AFC Hornchurch last season.

In the 2012/2013 season, Halifax Town got promoted via the play offs and had a terrific season in the Conference.

That season was the first time The Shaymen played in the Conference since the old club Halifax Town AFC were liquidated in the summer of 2008.

Halifax Town finished 5th last season and were edged out 2-1 on aggregate in the play-offs to Cambridge United, who eventually clinched promotion to League 2 beating Gateshead at Wembley.

Neil Aspin’s Halifax have had a positive pre-season having won seven from eight, beating three League 1 teams along the way which were Barnsley, Notts County and Rochdale.

The only pre-season defeat for The Shaymen was a 1-2 loss to Preston North End.

The Shaymen will no longer have last season’s second top scorer Lee Gregory after he signed for Championship club Millwall for an undisclosed fee on a three year contract.

Gregory scored 31 goals in 39 appearances for Halifax and was an integral part of their promotion push last season.

The former Macclesfield and most recently Chesterfield striker Scott Boden joined Halifax earlier this pre-season to provide extra firepower for The Shaymen.

Boden was Halifax’s top scorer in pre-season finding the net on six occasions in seven appearances.

As well as Boden, Halifax signed another former Chesterfield striker Jamie Jackson, who had been on trial at the club.

After being on loan last season from Macclesfield Town, defender James Bolton put pen to paper on a permanent deal with Halifax and could well play a part against Dover.

*Lpic2*Halifax are certainly not shy in front of goal having scored a total of 85 goals in the Conference last season which was second highest, only behind champions Luton who managed 102 goals.

The Shaymen are close to making one more final signing prior the start of the season, which could be former Huddersfield Town winger Danny Schofield who has been on trial at the club.

Dover Athletic and Halifax Town have met 10 times in the past, all of which in the Conference. Dover’s record against Halifax is won 3, drawn 3 and lost 4.

The last time the two teams met was in the 1997/1998 Conference season with Dover drawing 1-1 at The Shay ground and losing 0-1 at Crabble.

Dover’s biggest win against Halifax Town was in March 1997 where they won 1-3.

The club will be hoping to see lots of supporters at Crabble on Saturday, but those who cannot make the game can stay updated via *Link1* on twitter.

*BS*Dover Athletic are delighted to announce that Academy players Oliver Beard, Brendan Owusu-Ansah and Osita Isichei have signed full-time contracts with the club.*BF*

The trio put pen to paper on their deals immediately after the club’s 1-0 victory over Chatham Town on Tuesday night, having all impressed during the game.

Beard played for Gillingham’s youth setup before moving to Dartford, but since joining Dover Athletic’s Academy he has consistently impressed in the chances he has been given. The youngster is able to play in either defence or midfield, but his favoured position is at right back. Beard has an exceptional footballing brain and is an accurate passer of the ball.

Owusu-Ansah was on the books of the Crystal Palace youth side, before also playing Dartford’s Academy. An imposing centre-back, Brendan is strong, good in the air and quick, and likes to get the ball down and play at every opportunity.

Isichei, who manager Chris Kinnear labelled as Whites’ man of the match in the Chatham Town win, is a pacey winger with good skills, a good engine and a productive end product.

Dover Athletic are delighted to have signed the three youngsters and manager Chris Kinnear has announced his intention to send the trio out on loan to build up their competitive experience, whilst also recognising that they could all have a long-term future at the club.

The success story of the Dover Athletic Academy thus far has been Sean Raggett, who progressed through the system and is now a key member of the squad.

*BS*Dover Athletic are delighted to announce that Academy players Oliver Beard, Brendan Owusu-Ansah and Osita Isichei have signed full-time contracts with the club.*BF*

The trio put pen to paper on their deals immediately after the club’s 1-0 victory over Chatham Town on Tuesday night, having all impressed during the game.

Beard played for Gillingham’s youth setup before moving to Dartford, but since joining Dover Athletic’s Academy he has consistently impressed in the chances he has been given. The youngster is able to play in either defence or midfield, but his favoured position is at right back. Beard has an exceptional footballing brain and is an accurate passer of the ball.

Owusu-Ansah was on the books of the Crystal Palace youth side, before also playing Dartford’s Academy. An imposing centre-back, Brendan is strong, good in the air and quick, and likes to get the ball down and play at every opportunity.

Isichei, who manager Chris Kinnear labelled as Whites’ man of the match in the Chatham Town win, is a pacey winger with good skills, a good engine and a productive end product.

Dover Athletic are delighted to have signed the three youngsters and manager Chris Kinnear has announced his intention to send the trio out on loan to build up their competitive experience, whilst also recognising that they could all have a long-term future at the club.

The success story of the Dover Athletic Academy thus far has been Sean Raggett, who progressed through the system and is now a key member of the squad.

*BS*Dover Athletic are pleased to announce that the club’s online shop is OPEN – *Link1* – where fans can purchase replica shirts, DAFC clothing and other accessories.*BF*

The club’s director of media and communications, Steve Parmenter, has been working tirelessly on the launch of the site which gives fans worldwide the opportunity to purchase clothing and accessories from the club’s range – including 2014/15 replica shirts.

Shirt prices have been frozen at last season’s prices – £38 for adults, and £32 for children – but will *BS*not*BF* include the league sponsor Vanarama’s logo on the sleeves. This is at no fault of the club – due to the sponsor only recently signing their deal, the printing deadline was missed and the club cannot guarantee the quality or suitability of the iron-on logo badges that the first team will wear will be at an acceptable standard for supporters’ paid-for shirts.

We are also unable to provide replica shirts with numbers or names on, but local sports shops may be able to provide this service at your own risk.

The club have shirts in stock and, as mentioned, available to order NOW on *Link1*

Subject to availability, there will be a limited number of shirts on-sale at the club shop at Saturday’s season opener against FC Halifax.

*BS*Dover Athletic are pleased to announce that the club’s online shop is OPEN – *Link1* – where fans can purchase replica shirts, DAFC clothing and other accessories.*BF*

The club’s director of media and communications, Steve Parmenter, has been working tirelessly on the launch of the site which gives fans worldwide the opportunity to purchase clothing and accessories from the club’s range – including 2014/15 replica shirts.

Shirt prices have been frozen at last season’s prices – £38 for adults, and £32 for children – but will *BS*not*BF* include the league sponsor Vanarama’s logo on the sleeves. This is at no fault of the club – due to the sponsor only recently signing their deal, the printing deadline was missed and the club cannot guarantee the quality or suitability of the iron-on logo badges that the first team will wear will be at an acceptable standard for supporters’ paid-for shirts.

We are also unable to provide replica shirts with numbers or names on, but local sports shops may be able to provide this service at your own risk.

The club have shirts in stock and, as mentioned, available to order NOW on *Link1*

Subject to availability, there will be a limited number of shirts on-sale at the club shop at Saturday’s season opener against FC Halifax.

*BS*The Vanarama Conference has listened to supporters, especially those bringing children to matches, before embarking on the next stage of its Respect programme, designed to tackle concerns and to continue its objectives to make the match day experience enjoyable for everyone involved.*BF*

Two Board directives, one a new initiative, are now required to be closely monitored by appointed Club Respect Directors, who will be responsible for overseeing issues that come under the Competition’s scrutiny, designed to increase ‘Respect & Sportsmanship’ through applying consistent standards.

Non-playing staff have been instructed not to enter the field of play at half time or full time. They are asked to allow match officials to return to their Dressing Room unimpeded. This will reduce the potential of confrontation, which often leads to scenes that discredit those individuals concerned and their Clubs. These unhelpful scenes frequently lead to unpleasant incidents which result in strong disciplinary sanctions being imposed by the Football Association.

The second initiative is the reinforcement of a practice introduced by the Conference approximately six years ago. The Board has mandated Clubs to ensure that any member of its bench personnel, if dismissed from the Technical Area by the Match Referee, must be directed to a place that does not afford a view of the pitch, for the remainder of the match. The object of the exercise being to prevent continuing undesirable conduct, in full gaze of the viewing public; and to protect the participant from being the subject of similar unpleasant conduct from others.

Chairman Brian Lee commented, “The Conference has been showing an improvement year on year with on-field player discipline, which is a welcome trend; but we accept the actions of some individuals still raise concern. The two areas now to be focussed upon have been identified in various communications received from supporters who attend matches. Unacceptable language is also high on the agenda of dislikes pointed out by spectators, particularly those attending with children. Collectively we must recognise that ‘family values’ are so important, if clubs are to see long term return from their efforts to encourage and retain future generations of support”.

“It is impossible to remove all emotion from our game, and no football lover would want to, but the lack of self control demonstrated by a few individuals needs to be addressed. Bad language and confrontation on the field with match officials is unseemly and erodes our efforts to attract more families. Quite simply, these are elements of our great game which The Vanarama Conference seeks to eradicate. Clubs have been warned to take ownership and how to do it.

Individuals who misbehave will be accountable to the Football Association. Ultimately though it is down to our Members to enforce the directives on a match day. Penalties can be punitive. We want our Clubs to sit up, ‘smell the coffee’, and advise their Staff how to conduct themselves, thus avoiding stringent financial penalties and the unnecessary suspension of individuals for their lack of self control”.