*BS*In our latest Whites’ Abroad feature, die-hard fans Callum Snell and Kieran Dodd visited fellow Whites’ supporter Russ Laughton last week in Barcelona, where he has been studying.*BF*

They toured Barcelona’s two major football clubs and proudly displayed their DAFC allegiance.

*BS*Callum reports on their visit:*BF* “In amongst the clubbing, tapas and beer we managed to fit in a stadium tour of Barcelona and Espanyol’s stadiums.

“Barcelona’s Camp Nou wasn’t really as awe inspiring as I expected it to be. The only thing impressive about it was the sheer size of it. But the facilities and views there were pretty average. You paid €23 for the tour and there wasn’t anyone guiding you around.

*Lpic1*”Espanyol’s Cornellà-El Prat, by contrast, was excellent. We were given an intimate, in-depth personal tour guide from a passionate fan, who was fluent in English.

“And quite amazingly, he recognised who Dover Athletic were because he once managed Basingstoke on Football Manager!

“We had converted him into a Dovorian by the end of the day and joked we would have to arrange a friendly between the two clubs.

“They allowed us onto the pitch and gave us access to all the VIP areas, including where the president sits. I’m not normally a fan of modern stadiums but I was really impressed by their 40000 all seater, which opened in 2009.”

*BS*Whether you were on holiday or are living permanently abroad, we’d like to hear from you…*BF*
Share your story on doverathletic.com by emailing me: *Link1*

*BS*Liam Bellamy speaks to doverathletic.com about what lured him to Crabble and gives fans an insight as to what they can expect from him this season.*BF*

Bellamy, who lives in Wanstead East London, was clearly looking forward to the prospect of lining up for Athletic this season:

“I’m really excited. I did my research beforehand and spoke to Nathan Elder and Craig Stone, and when I spoke to the manager, he really sold the club to me.”

He added: “Dover are an ambitious club and we will be in contention this season. After meeting Chris I believe he will help me develop as a player and fulfill my ambitions.”

Unknown to most Dover fans and yet to experience playing at Crabble on arguably one of the best pitches in non league, midfielder Bellamy described his fledgling career so far: “I was a picked up late by the Charlton academy when I was 14 and I had a couple of loan spells in non league when I was 17 or 18.

“After I was released, Brentford offered me a two year contract but I was playing in the development squad most of the time and I went to Ebbsfleet on loan to get some more experience in men’s football. I then signed for Ebbsfleet permanently last season and played over 50 times for them.”

*Q1*With the start of pre-season imminent and the first friendly in one week’s time, Dover’s new central midfielder put into words what fans can expect from him on the pitch: “I like to get the ball down and play football and I am box to box. I prefer to be in the centre, but I can play on the left or right too.

“Wherever I play I will work hard and give 100%, as I have to earn the right to play.”

Should Liam play in central midfield, he could play alongside fellow Ebbsfleet arrival Craig Stone: “I’ve only ever seen him play at right back but I know he can play in the holding midfield role and he is a quality player. If we do play together we could form a really good partnership.”

Even though he has dropped down from full-time football into the semi professional game, Bellamy made it clear where his priorities lie career wise: “I’ve always been in full-time football and I want to get back into the League and have a career in the game. My best friend Carl Jenkinson has played Conference South football and is now in the Premier League with Arsenal, so he has shown it can be done and it gives me that fighting spirit.”

With players on the non-league scene supplementing their playing income with another job, Dover’s young midfielder has already taken steps in that direction: “I have just completed a course in personal training and though my priority is still football, it will help me with my fitness!”

*BS*Liam Bellamy speaks to doverathletic.com about what lured him to Crabble and gives fans an insight as to what they can expect from him this season.*BF*

Bellamy, who lives in Wanstead East London, was clearly looking forward to the prospect of lining up for Athletic this season:

“I’m really excited. I did my research beforehand and spoke to Nathan Elder and Craig Stone, and when I spoke to the manager, he really sold the club to me.”

He added: “Dover are an ambitious club and we will be in contention this season. After meeting Chris I believe he will help me develop as a player and fulfill my ambitions.”

Unknown to most Dover fans and yet to experience playing at Crabble on arguably one of the best pitches in non league, midfielder Bellamy described his fledgling career so far: “I was a picked up late by the Charlton academy when I was 14 and I had a couple of loan spells in non league when I was 17 or 18.

“After I was released, Brentford offered me a two year contract but I was playing in the development squad most of the time and I went to Ebbsfleet on loan to get some more experience in men’s football. I then signed for Ebbsfleet permanently last season and played over 50 times for them.”

*Q1*With the start of pre-season imminent and the first friendly in one week’s time, Dover’s new central midfielder put into words what fans can expect from him on the pitch: “I like to get the ball down and play football and I am box to box. I prefer to be in the centre, but I can play on the left or right too.

“Wherever I play I will work hard and give 100%, as I have to earn the right to play.”

Should Liam play in central midfield, he could play alongside fellow Ebbsfleet arrival Craig Stone: “I’ve only ever seen him play at right back but I know he can play in the holding midfield role and he is a quality player. If we do play together we could form a really good partnership.”

Even though he has dropped down from full-time football into the semi professional game, Bellamy made it clear where his priorities lie career wise: “I’ve always been in full-time football and I want to get back into the League and have a career in the game. My best friend Carl Jenkinson has played Conference South football and is now in the Premier League with Arsenal, so he has shown it can be done and it gives me that fighting spirit.”

With players on the non-league scene supplementing their playing income with another job, Dover’s young midfielder has already taken steps in that direction: “I have just completed a course in personal training and though my priority is still football, it will help me with my fitness!”

NULL

*BS*Dover’s latest signing Nathan Elder tells doverathletic.com that he is looking to pass on his experience and advice to the younger players in Whites’ squad and shares Chris Kinnear’s ambition.*BF*

After six years as a professional, Elder acquitted himself well with a 16 goal haul for relegated Ebbsfleet in Conference Premier last term and is expecting more this year:

“I read Michael Bakare is aiming to get 35 goals this season and so am I.

“But it’s most important that the team win – if I get a hat trick but the team lose 4-3 it won’t mean anything. I set up goals as well; my previous strike partner scored quite a few goals from my flick-ons last season.”

Even though joining Dover’s promotion seeking campaign will see Nathan playing one level lower than last season, he is clearly excited by the challenge ahead: “The Conference South is a battle and the team will need lots determination and that extra bit of quality to win games.

“The main reason I signed was because of Chris Kinnear; his ambition is something I have been looking for. He wants to go up automatically and so do I. It’s a really good set up here.”

Elder, who lives in Greenhithe and works for the health spa David Lloyd’s, admitted the one year contract he recently signed should have been a lot sooner: “Chris started talking to me through Craig Stone a few weeks back and we met for a coffee. Because myself and Chris were both busy, we ended up completing the paperwork in Bluewater as I live near there.”

With pre-season due to start next week, Dover’s new hitman is clearly ready to go: “I have bought my new boots and good to go. I already know Ricky Modeste, Michael Kamara, Moses Ademola and of course Craig Stone, and I’m sure it won’t take long for me to get to know other guys.

“As one of the older players, I am looking to pass on some advice and experience to some of the talented youngsters that are here already – you have to do as much as you can off the pitch to be good on it.”

*Lpic1*When asked about his favourite career moments so far, naturally as a centre forward he chose two goalscoring moments: “In my first game for AFC Wimbledon I scored after two minutes and Geoff Shreeves on Soccer Saturday described me as the Shrewsbury reject that could not score!

“Plus scoring an injury time winner for Brentford against Bradford to win 4-3. It was raining and they had scored what they thought was a late leveller before my goal. I went to do a knee slide and went on my backside and almost hit the advertising board!”

Having played for the likes of Brighton, Shrewsbury, Brentford and Bradford thus far in his career, it is clear there is no place like home for Nathan: “Dover is only one hour away from the M25 so it helps to be close to my family. My wife and two boys (2 and 5) will come and support me at every game and it really helps me to see them – they mean the world to me.”

NULL

*BS*Dover’s latest signing Nathan Elder tells doverathletic.com that he is looking to pass on his experience and advice to the younger players in Whites’ squad and shares Chris Kinnear’s ambition.*BF*

After six years as a professional, Elder acquitted himself well with a 16 goal haul for relegated Ebbsfleet in Conference Premier last term and is expecting more this year:

“I read Michael Bakare is aiming to get 35 goals this season and so am I.

“But it’s most important that the team win – if I get a hat trick but the team lose 4-3 it won’t mean anything. I set up goals as well; my previous strike partner scored quite a few goals from my flick-ons last season.”

Even though joining Dover’s promotion seeking campaign will see Nathan playing one level lower than last season, he is clearly excited by the challenge ahead: “The Conference South is a battle and the team will need lots determination and that extra bit of quality to win games.

“The main reason I signed was because of Chris Kinnear; his ambition is something I have been looking for. He wants to go up automatically and so do I. It’s a really good set up here.”

Elder, who lives in Greenhithe and works for the health spa David Lloyd’s, admitted the one year contract he recently signed should have been a lot sooner: “Chris started talking to me through Craig Stone a few weeks back and we met for a coffee. Because myself and Chris were both busy, we ended up completing the paperwork in Bluewater as I live near there.”

With pre-season due to start next week, Dover’s new hitman is clearly ready to go: “I have bought my new boots and good to go. I already know Ricky Modeste, Michael Kamara, Moses Ademola and of course Craig Stone, and I’m sure it won’t take long for me to get to know other guys.

“As one of the older players, I am looking to pass on some advice and experience to some of the talented youngsters that are here already – you have to do as much as you can off the pitch to be good on it.”

*Lpic1*When asked about his favourite career moments so far, naturally as a centre forward he chose two goalscoring moments: “In my first game for AFC Wimbledon I scored after two minutes and Geoff Shreeves on Soccer Saturday described me as the Shrewsbury reject that could not score!

“Plus scoring an injury time winner for Brentford against Bradford to win 4-3. It was raining and they had scored what they thought was a late leveller before my goal. I went to do a knee slide and went on my backside and almost hit the advertising board!”

Having played for the likes of Brighton, Shrewsbury, Brentford and Bradford thus far in his career, it is clear there is no place like home for Nathan: “Dover is only one hour away from the M25 so it helps to be close to my family. My wife and two boys (2 and 5) will come and support me at every game and it really helps me to see them – they mean the world to me.”

*BS*Chris Kinnear gives an exclusive update to doverathletic.com about how his team is shaping up ahead of the new season.*BF*

Kinnear completed a double striker swoop recently, adding Nathan Elder and Michael Bakare to his revamped squad.

He said of his new goalscorers: “They are young, ambitious, energetic and most importantly they both score goals. They will add more pace to the team and Nathan creates lots of chances as well.”

Chris revealed the type of footballers he wants to don the white shirt at Crabble this coming season: “I want ambitious players that are not in it for the money and want to progress, hopefully with us. I don’t want a big squad. I am looking at all positions but will avoid signing players that have a history of injuries.”

With 11 players currently signed up for the 2013/14 season, Dover’s pre-season fixtures will provide the perfect opportunity for the boss to look at potential new signings: “There will be some triallists coming down and I will certainly keep an open mind as I might find some gems.

“I don’t want to waste what is a very competitive budget early and it’s important we all get value for money. It is very much quality over quantity.”
*Q1*
Dover’s boss was also able to give an update on some of last season’s squad that are out of contract: “We are finalising details with Barry Cogan. Mitchell Walker has been offered a contract too, and we await his decision. Steven Thomson and Calum Willock will not be with us.”

With training due to start on Saturday 29th June and Dover’s first pre-season friendly scheduled for a week later on 6th July, Kinnear will also be involved in the squad’s fitness as well as transfers: “Jake will take on training and I might bring in a player-coach as well, but I tend to watch so that nothing is missed. It worked really well between myself and Jake at Margate.”

*BS*Chris Kinnear gives an exclusive update to doverathletic.com about how his team is shaping up ahead of the new season.*BF*

Kinnear completed a double striker swoop recently, adding Nathan Elder and Michael Bakare to his revamped squad.

He said of his new goalscorers: “They are young, ambitious, energetic and most importantly they both score goals. They will add more pace to the team and Nathan creates lots of chances as well.”

Chris revealed the type of footballers he wants to don the white shirt at Crabble this coming season: “I want ambitious players that are not in it for the money and want to progress, hopefully with us. I don’t want a big squad. I am looking at all positions but will avoid signing players that have a history of injuries.”

With 11 players currently signed up for the 2013/14 season, Dover’s pre-season fixtures will provide the perfect opportunity for the boss to look at potential new signings: “There will be some triallists coming down and I will certainly keep an open mind as I might find some gems.

“I don’t want to waste what is a very competitive budget early and it’s important we all get value for money. It is very much quality over quantity.”
*Q1*
Dover’s boss was also able to give an update on some of last season’s squad that are out of contract: “We are finalising details with Barry Cogan. Mitchell Walker has been offered a contract too, and we await his decision. Steven Thomson and Calum Willock will not be with us.”

With training due to start on Saturday 29th June and Dover’s first pre-season friendly scheduled for a week later on 6th July, Kinnear will also be involved in the squad’s fitness as well as transfers: “Jake will take on training and I might bring in a player-coach as well, but I tend to watch so that nothing is missed. It worked really well between myself and Jake at Margate.”

*BS*New signing Michael Bakare is confident he can start the season with a bang and help the team compete for the title.*BF*

Having returned South after spells with Macclesfield and Southport, Bakare was excited to have signed for Dover Athletic:

“I got the phone call last month from Chris Kinnear saying he had watched me at the end of the season and wanted to sign me.

“Dover is a big club and the fact that the manager told me he wants to win the league was the main thing for me.”

He added: “I was living in Manchester before, but now I am back in London and am 110% happy to be back down South. I’ve not made the right moves in the past due to a lack of guidance, but I believe this is definitely the right move for me.”

*BS*On setting high targets for himself this season…*BF*

During his career, Michael has not always been a regular starter or played in his favoured position as a striker which is something he is looking to rectify this season: “Chris has told me he wants me up front. Because I am left footed, managers have played me at either left back or on the wing, which I’ve never minded as I wanted to get into the team and play football.

“When I was at Bishop’s Stortford, towards the end of the season all the strikers were injured and so the manager at the time stuck me up front as I was quick. I scored in the next few games and was told I’d be up front the following season.”

Despite having setbacks, Dover’s new hitman is not short on confidence and has set himself a target of 35 goals for the season: “I believe that if I play, I will score. The season I started as a striker for Bishop’s Stortford I had scored 18 goals in the Conference North by January before I moved to Macclesfield. I’m an all round striker, I’m decent in the air and can use both feet.”

*Q1*Michael is excited at the prospect of partnering former Ebbsfleet striker Nathan Elder, who has also joined Whites this summer: “I don’t know him personally but played against him for Southport and he was a beast in the air, which can only be good for me.”

With both strikers renowned for their goal scoring exploits, Bakare welcomed the competition: “If we are both scoring, it means the team are probably winning. The team is the most important thing and everyone playing should be looking to score.”

With pre-season training due to start on Saturday, Michael is clearly itching to get going: “I have not had a proper pre-season for a while and it really helps me with my fitness and sharpness. The last time I did pre season training, I started the season really well and it will give me a chance to achieve my high expectations for the season.”

He also added on the prospect of meeting his new team-mates: “Every time I have joined a team I have not known anyone but at Dover I know Ricky Modeste, Michael Kamara and Moses Ademola already.”

*BS*On his professional approach and aspirations for the future…*BF*

Still only 26, Bakare maintains the professional approach to football that he learned playing in the Football League: “Signing a pro contract with Macclesfield was special for me at the time. Having never played for an Academy team, as my parents wanted me to focus on education and also going to college and university, it was good to show people who were asking why I was still playing football that I could still make it.

“Even though I am part time, I still train full time and see playing football as my profession. It is such a privilege to get paid to do what is effectively your hobby.”

In addition to his professional mentality, Bakare also coaches children between the ages of nine and 18: “I try to help develop their skills rather than train them to just win competitions. It’s good to give back and I will be a Level 3 coach by the time the season starts so I can hopefully move into management in the future.”