CARL ROOK took little time in deciding to sign for Dover Athletic.

The big powerful centre-forward, who today completed his move to Crabble from Ryman One rivals Hastings, has attracted interest from AFC Wimbledon and our neighbours Folkestone Invicta.

But when he knew that Whites boss Clive Walker wanted him and visited the ground to view the facilities, he made his mind up quickly.

He said: “I knew Dover were keen to sign me and once they came in there was only one club I was going to. They’re a big club, the team are flying with a 100 per cent league record and I can see how ambitious they are.

“Folkestone put in a seven-day approach and I had to consider their offer. They offered me more money than Dover but sometimes there’s more important things to consider than money.

“Dover have a lovely ground, big crowds, a good chairman and manager – and quality players. Folkestone may well be in a higher division but I think Dover have a better team and will pass them on their way up.”

Carl, 22, has been a long-term target for Clive. The Whites boss even considered bringing him to Crabble in the summer but then decided to put the deal on hold until the end of the season.

But injuries to strikers Tommy Tyne and Chris Wright convinced Clive and the club’s board that he would need to add another frontman to add depth to the squad.

Rook has signed a one year deal at Crabble, with an option for a second year extension.

Carl, who joined Hastings two years ago from Kent League club Whitstable, scored 16 goals in 2003-04 and followed that up with another 18 last season. An injury has restricted him to just one appearance this season and he duly registered his name on the scoresheet. Now he is set to make his Whites debut against Newport IoW at Crabble on Saturday.

He said: “I joined them as a centre-half but found it difficult. Steve Lovell, who was Hastings manager at the time, played me in the reserves up front – as he had spotted something in my game.

“From then on, I never looked back and have been banging them in ever since. I’ve certainly enjoyed my football as a striker 10 times more than I used to.”

Carl, who is nephew to ex-full-time Dover youth development officer Carl Laraman, almost joined AFC Wimbledon last season but the Dons’ bid for him fell through.

He said: “I was priced out of a move last season. Hastings wanted a £5,000 transfer fee plus a friendly – but AFC were only prepared to offer a pre-season game, so the bid was rejected.

“I understand where both clubs were coming from. Hastings naturally wanted a fee, while AFC weren’t prepared to pay it.”

The striker lives in Sittingbourne and is good friends with new team-mates Lee Spiller and Tony Browne. So much so, he went on holiday with the pair in the summer.

He added: “I know a few of the boys and just cannot wait to get stuck in. I’m meeting all the lads tonight at training. The one downside about signing for Dover today is that I’ve got to wait all week until I can play. I just want to get out there and do the business.

“Dover are a good side and I’ll certainly get the chance to score more goals here than at Hastings. I’ve been prolific so far and want to improve on my goals tally at Crabble.”

Clive plans to add one or two more players to his squad but admits there may be player movement in the opposite direction.

He said: “I am delighted Carl has come to us. I’ve seen him play a number of times for Hastings and he’s always impressed me. He knows where the goal is and is a powerful boy.

“We want to bring some more players in but it won’t just happen for the sake of it. We’re not looking at strengthening specific areas – more a case of if there are players available out there who are better than what we’ve got we’re going to be interested in bringing them here.

“Obviously, the club has a budget and we may have to move some players on – but that is something we’ve got to look into. Certainly, no-one who I rate highly will be leaving the club.

“Carl will add serious competition for places up front and that’s important for any successful football team.”

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “I’m delighted the deal has gone through. We want players who are hungry for success and Carl fits the bill. We are continuing our efforts to improve the club on and off-the-field, so we can get ourselves into a position to restore the club to among non-league’s elite.”

CARL ROOK took little time in deciding to sign for Dover Athletic.

The big powerful centre-forward, who today completed his move to Crabble from Ryman One rivals Hastings, has attracted interest from AFC Wimbledon and our neighbours Folkestone Invicta.

But when he knew that Whites boss Clive Walker wanted him and visited the ground to view the facilities, he made his mind up quickly.

He said: “I knew Dover were keen to sign me and once they came in there was only one club I was going to. They’re a big club, the team are flying with a 100 per cent league record and I can see how ambitious they are.

“Folkestone put in a seven-day approach and I had to consider their offer. They offered me more money than Dover but sometimes there’s more important things to consider than money.

“Dover have a lovely ground, big crowds, a good chairman and manager – and quality players. Folkestone may well be in a higher division but I think Dover have a better team and will pass them on their way up.”

Carl, 22, has been a long-term target for Clive. The Whites boss even considered bringing him to Crabble in the summer but then decided to put the deal on hold until the end of the season.

But injuries to strikers Tommy Tyne and Chris Wright convinced Clive and the club’s board that he would need to add another frontman to add depth to the squad.

Rook has signed a one year deal at Crabble, with an option for a second year extension.

Carl, who joined Hastings two years ago from Kent League club Whitstable, scored 16 goals in 2003-04 and followed that up with another 18 last season. An injury has restricted him to just one appearance this season and he duly registered his name on the scoresheet. Now he is set to make his Whites debut against Newport IoW at Crabble on Saturday.

He said: “I joined them as a centre-half but found it difficult. Steve Lovell, who was Hastings manager at the time, played me in the reserves up front – as he had spotted something in my game.

“From then on, I never looked back and have been banging them in ever since. I’ve certainly enjoyed my football as a striker 10 times more than I used to.”

Carl, who is nephew to ex-full-time Dover youth development officer Carl Laraman, almost joined AFC Wimbledon last season but the Dons’ bid for him fell through.

He said: “I was priced out of a move last season. Hastings wanted a £5,000 transfer fee plus a friendly – but AFC were only prepared to offer a pre-season game, so the bid was rejected.

“I understand where both clubs were coming from. Hastings naturally wanted a fee, while AFC weren’t prepared to pay it.”

The striker lives in Sittingbourne and is good friends with new team-mates Lee Spiller and Tony Browne. So much so, he went on holiday with the pair in the summer.

He added: “I know a few of the boys and just cannot wait to get stuck in. I’m meeting all the lads tonight at training. The one downside about signing for Dover today is that I’ve got to wait all week until I can play. I just want to get out there and do the business.

“Dover are a good side and I’ll certainly get the chance to score more goals here than at Hastings. I’ve been prolific so far and want to improve on my goals tally at Crabble.”

Clive plans to add one or two more players to his squad but admits there may be player movement in the opposite direction.

He said: “I am delighted Carl has come to us. I’ve seen him play a number of times for Hastings and he’s always impressed me. He knows where the goal is and is a powerful boy.

“We want to bring some more players in but it won’t just happen for the sake of it. We’re not looking at strengthening specific areas – more a case of if there are players available out there who are better than what we’ve got we’re going to be interested in bringing them here.

“Obviously, the club has a budget and we may have to move some players on – but that is something we’ve got to look into. Certainly, no-one who I rate highly will be leaving the club.

“Carl will add serious competition for places up front and that’s important for any successful football team.”

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “I’m delighted the deal has gone through. We want players who are hungry for success and Carl fits the bill. We are continuing our efforts to improve the club on and off-the-field, so we can get ourselves into a position to restore the club to among non-league’s elite.”

DOVER ATHLETIC chairman Jim Parmenter today confirmed the club are in talks with a number of transfer targets that manager Clive Walker hopes to bring to Crabble.

The Whites boss wants to sign two more players to add strength to his squad and has been working on this for a number of weeks.

But during yesterday’s disappointing 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Chelmsford, striker Tommy Tyne picked up a hamstring injury, which could possibly rule him out for more than a month – although at this stage it is to early to tell exactly how long he will be on the sidelines.

Jim said: “Clive has one eye on next season because we feel the club has an excellent chance of getting promoted to the Premier Division. Naturally, we will need to strengthen because our aim is to get promoted this season and next.

“But we’ve picked up a few injuries and it has brought forward our plans to bring a couple of players in – so Clive and I will be talking to some targets this week with a view of bringing them to Crabble now.

“One of the targets is a very talented player who Clive has had his eye on for some time and there are a number of other irons in the fire.”

Chris Wright (ankle), Anthony Hogg (ankle), Walid Matata (ankle) and Kevin Lott (shin) are all struggling with injuries at the moment.

One player who will not be coming to Crabble is Cray striker Leigh Bremner, who scored a stunning goal against Whites last Tuesday and was a former Dover transfer target. He is under contract at the North Kent club and Whites are not in a position to prise him away.

Increased attendance figures, along with more income from sponsors, has enabled the Whites board to allow Clive to chase further transfer targets and hopefully bring them to Crabble.

But Jim warned: “If gates and commercial income drops off, we will have to shift players out to balance the books. If a player at the club is not performing to the level we need for the first team, then we’d have to look at moving them out.

“However, we’re delighted with the start to the season we’ve made. We boast a 100 per cent league record, which is our priority. I am confident we will win the division and certainly get promoted – and we are looking at building a strong side here at Dover Athletic.”

Clive said: “This is not a knee-jerk reaction to us losing a game. We’re not going to panic because of one defeat. I’ve been looking at bringing two more in – but with Tommy possibly out for a while it’s just made signing a player or two more of a priority.

“It’s important we have a strong squad and we’re also looking to build for next season too. In January, we’re going to be talking to all the players who are not contracted for next season anyway – with a view of tie-ing them down to new deals. So we’re also looking at bringing new lads in too.

“I want us to build a team as early as possible and that’s what we’re planning to do.”

DOVER ATHLETIC chairman Jim Parmenter today confirmed the club are in talks with a number of transfer targets that manager Clive Walker hopes to bring to Crabble.

The Whites boss wants to sign two more players to add strength to his squad and has been working on this for a number of weeks.

But during yesterday’s disappointing 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Chelmsford, striker Tommy Tyne picked up a hamstring injury, which could possibly rule him out for more than a month – although at this stage it is to early to tell exactly how long he will be on the sidelines.

Jim said: “Clive has one eye on next season because we feel the club has an excellent chance of getting promoted to the Premier Division. Naturally, we will need to strengthen because our aim is to get promoted this season and next.

“But we’ve picked up a few injuries and it has brought forward our plans to bring a couple of players in – so Clive and I will be talking to some targets this week with a view of bringing them to Crabble now.

“One of the targets is a very talented player who Clive has had his eye on for some time and there are a number of other irons in the fire.”

Chris Wright (ankle), Anthony Hogg (ankle), Walid Matata (ankle) and Kevin Lott (shin) are all struggling with injuries at the moment.

One player who will not be coming to Crabble is Cray striker Leigh Bremner, who scored a stunning goal against Whites last Tuesday and was a former Dover transfer target. He is under contract at the North Kent club and Whites are not in a position to prise him away.

Increased attendance figures, along with more income from sponsors, has enabled the Whites board to allow Clive to chase further transfer targets and hopefully bring them to Crabble.

But Jim warned: “If gates and commercial income drops off, we will have to shift players out to balance the books. If a player at the club is not performing to the level we need for the first team, then we’d have to look at moving them out.

“However, we’re delighted with the start to the season we’ve made. We boast a 100 per cent league record, which is our priority. I am confident we will win the division and certainly get promoted – and we are looking at building a strong side here at Dover Athletic.”

Clive said: “This is not a knee-jerk reaction to us losing a game. We’re not going to panic because of one defeat. I’ve been looking at bringing two more in – but with Tommy possibly out for a while it’s just made signing a player or two more of a priority.

“It’s important we have a strong squad and we’re also looking to build for next season too. In January, we’re going to be talking to all the players who are not contracted for next season anyway – with a view of tie-ing them down to new deals. So we’re also looking at bringing new lads in too.

“I want us to build a team as early as possible and that’s what we’re planning to do.”

WHITES are giving you a chance to sponsor a player online this season on the website for just £10.

Simply donate £10 into our PayPal fund (by clicking on the donate button below) and you will be randomly allocated a player.

Your name will appear on the squad member’s online profile soon and in the list of sponsors.

If you have a preferred choice, email us at [email protected] when sending your payment and we will do our best to allocate you that player.

However, it will be done on a first-come first-served basis. You are allowed to enter more than once. Each £10 counts as one entry. So £20 will give you two players, £30 three players, etc.

At the end of the season, you will also be allocated a raffle ticket number and be entered into a prize draw – and the winner will win a first-team shirt, signed by the first team – along with a signed team photo.

Also you will get a photo taken with Clive and the lads at the club’s last home match of the season, currently scheduled to be Whyteleafe on Saturday, April 24. If Whites win the division, you will have the added bonus of being pictured with the team and the Ryman One championship trophy.

A list of available players are listed below. If they fill and more people wish to be part of the draw, we will add further names of club personalities just to give you the chance to still support this fundraiser and win a prize.

This is a fundraising effort to help Whites boost their coffers so please support this bit of fun.

If you are not able to pay through our PayPal facility, drop your £10 into the club shop before a home game and leave your name and contact details.

Come on You Whites!

SPONSORS SO FAR

Nick Bagley – Mark “The Don” Andrews
Daniel Braithwaite – Duncan Moorhouse
Tony Browne – Darren & Sylvia Gimber, Kildrummy Inn. Website
Danny Chapman – Harry Reid
Dave Clifford – Tom Turnbull
Craig Cloke – Jason McFarlane
Shane Hamshare – Neil Care
Tom Hickman – Dave Hamilton
Anthony Hogg – Giz and Tate Lee-Ayres
Nicky Humphrey – Christopher De Vere
Paul Hyde – Andrew Stroud
Walid Matata – Mark Pearce
Dean Readings – Christopher De Vere
James Rogers – Mike Harrison
Dale Skelton – John Holland
Buster Smissen – Michael Edwards
Darren Smith – Michael Edwards
Lee Spiller – Darren & Sylvia Gimber, Kildrummy Inn. Website
Tommy Tyne – Good luck from the boys at St John’s Ambulance
Sam Vallance – John Holland
Craig Wilkins – Mark Waller
Chris Wright – Mike Harrison
CLIVE WALKER – Giz and Tate Lee-Ayres
STEVE NOLAN – JTech Computer Services, Columbus, USA
FRANK CLARKE – Martin Pearce

RESERVE TEAM/SQUAD PLAYERS

Kevin Lott – Available
Rob Smidmore – Available
Lawrence Ball – Available
Jordan Pettman – Available
Tim Austen – Available
James Farrier – Available
Andrew Hadden – Available
Will Graham – Available
Chris Steadman – Available
Grant Bagley – Available
Lee Scott – Available
John Ovard – Available
Jack Tanner – Available
Sean Armstrong – Available
GARY WHITTLE – Reserved

* For those of you who have paid, thank you. Your details will soon be added to new-look player profiles.

WHITES are giving you a chance to sponsor a player online this season on the website for just £10.

Simply donate £10 into our PayPal fund (by clicking on the donate button below) and you will be randomly allocated a player.

Your name will appear on the squad member’s online profile soon and in the list of sponsors.

If you have a preferred choice, email us at [email protected] when sending your payment and we will do our best to allocate you that player.

However, it will be done on a first-come first-served basis. You are allowed to enter more than once. Each £10 counts as one entry. So £20 will give you two players, £30 three players, etc.

At the end of the season, you will also be allocated a raffle ticket number and be entered into a prize draw – and the winner will win a first-team shirt, signed by the first team – along with a signed team photo.

Also you will get a photo taken with Clive and the lads at the club’s last home match of the season, currently scheduled to be Whyteleafe on Saturday, April 24. If Whites win the division, you will have the added bonus of being pictured with the team and the Ryman One championship trophy.

A list of available players are listed below. If they fill and more people wish to be part of the draw, we will add further names of club personalities just to give you the chance to still support this fundraiser and win a prize.

This is a fundraising effort to help Whites boost their coffers so please support this bit of fun.

If you are not able to pay through our PayPal facility, drop your £10 into the club shop before a home game and leave your name and contact details.

Come on You Whites!

SPONSORS SO FAR

Nick Bagley – Mark “The Don” Andrews
Daniel Braithwaite – Duncan Moorhouse
Tony Browne – Darren & Sylvia Gimber, Kildrummy Inn. Website
Danny Chapman – Harry Reid
Dave Clifford – Tom Turnbull
Craig Cloke – Jason McFarlane
Shane Hamshare – Neil Care
Tom Hickman – Dave Hamilton
Anthony Hogg – Giz and Tate Lee-Ayres
Nicky Humphrey – Christopher De Vere
Paul Hyde – Andrew Stroud
Walid Matata – Mark Pearce
Dean Readings – Christopher De Vere
James Rogers – Mike Harrison
Dale Skelton – John Holland
Buster Smissen – Michael Edwards
Darren Smith – Michael Edwards
Lee Spiller – Darren & Sylvia Gimber, Kildrummy Inn. Website
Tommy Tyne – Good luck from the boys at St John’s Ambulance
Sam Vallance – John Holland
Craig Wilkins – Mark Waller
Chris Wright – Mike Harrison
CLIVE WALKER – Giz and Tate Lee-Ayres
STEVE NOLAN – JTech Computer Services, Columbus, USA
FRANK CLARKE – Martin Pearce

RESERVE TEAM/SQUAD PLAYERS

Kevin Lott – Available
Rob Smidmore – Available
Lawrence Ball – Available
Jordan Pettman – Available
Tim Austen – Available
James Farrier – Available
Andrew Hadden – Available
Will Graham – Available
Chris Steadman – Available
Grant Bagley – Available
Lee Scott – Available
John Ovard – Available
Jack Tanner – Available
Sean Armstrong – Available
GARY WHITTLE – Reserved

* For those of you who have paid, thank you. Your details will soon be added to new-look player profiles.

OUCH! I am off work today, Friday, after I stood on a nail that went right through my shoe and the middle of my right foot.

I had to bathe it yesterday – after a half hour wait as I was working in Rye – and my fiancee Simone had a good look at it this morning and she says the bruising has come right up, which is good news.

Clive has told me to bite the bullet and play against Bashley tomorrow – and I reckon I probably will. I’ve got to let him know tonight but the signs are good, seeing as the bruising has come through.

I played with injured ribs before so hope that this won’t prevent me from helping us get three points tomorrow.

It was a very busy Bank Holiday weekend, where we churned out another couple of wins, but the hot conditions took a lot out of us.

I noticed some fans had criticised our performance against Ashford on Monday. We know it was a bit flat but, having just played a game in baking conditions at Lymington and New Milton two days earlier, it was tough to play another 90 minutes in boiling weather at Crabble against a side that was up for it.

Sometimes you go into auto pilot. The Ashford game was never going to be pretty and it was all about getting the three points, which we’ve done – and over the two games we’ve not conceded a goal. So we’ve done really well.

It was long trip down to Lymington. I was up at 7am and had picked up the coach at 8.30am. So it was another early night on Friday. As a Dover player, it’s important to prepare properly for games so I always take it easy the night before a match. Simone and I watched Coach Carter.

On the coach the next day, Dale Skelton and Dean Readings were cutting out people who look like Dover players. So there was Janice from Coronation Street, who looked like me after having a skinhead, and then Sloth from the Goonies, who looks like Dean Readings.

Lee Spiller was taking the mick out of Deano – and the sounds he makes. Deano makes noises without actually speaking – that’s the way he is. It’s an “urrrrggghhh” kind of sound.

We then took a look at our Dream Team league and I got a lot of stick because I’m bottom despite having Roy Keane, Steven Gerrard, Alan Shearer, Jermain Defoe and Jose Reyes in my side! Daniel Braithwaite is top and Deano is second at the moment.

Long trips do build up the team spirit but it can make the day an uphill task. When you’re sitting on a long journey, you can get bored and the body becomes a bit stiff.

Then you get off the coach and you arrive at a ground, which is not as nice as Crabble and facilities which are very basic. It can be a bit of an anti-climax because it’s easy to look around at these grounds and feel a bit down. That makes it twice as hard to get yourself up for an away game because the pitch is terrible and you’re feeling stiff.

But Clive gets us up for the games, as he is a top motivator, and then there’s people like Spills, who will do silly little dances, muck about and get us all in a good mood.

When you look at these grounds, it makes us think that we’ve got to get ourselves out of this division – and back up the pyramid so we can start playing at some decent stadiums again.

Seeing the Dover fans at the away games helps motivate us too – we see all the usual faces and we go out there to do the business for them.

The refereeing at this level is a bit different to what we’re used to. I put in a challenge in the first half at Lymington, which saw me win the ball – but the ref told me that if I did that kind of tackle again he’d book me or send me off, which was a bit of a surprise.

Then, I did the same challenge in the second half and got booked. Three players were sent off in a game, which wasn’t that dirty. Nicky Humphrey was very unlucky to be shown a red card late on. Sometimes refs level things out, if they’ve sent off someone from the other side.

I do believe some refs get excited when they get a big club like Dover Athletic. I also think that they’re being watched by referee observers and they’re keen to impress so they can fast-track themselves into the Conference.

It’s a tough job for referees but the game has become almost a non-contact sport nowadays, which surely isn’t right.

With the defence looking good, it’s great to see Craig “Concrete Head” Wilkins on fire up front. You just know that if you stick a cross in, Wilko is going to get on the end of it. He’s superb and I’m glad he is fit again. Wilko helped me a lot when I first came into the side. He’s a lovely bloke and a class act.

After the match last Saturday, we had a laugh on the coach again. Everyone was in high spirits. We all pretended we were being interviewed by Tom Crawley on camera for the website’s DAFC TV. Tony Browne kept hogging the spotlight – not letting any of the other lads get a word in edgeways.

He’d say: “I should’ve crossed the ball a bit better for the first goal.” but would big himself up if he did something good in the match. “I’ve made a superb sliding tackle to rob the ball off their striker, got up, dusted myself down and sprayed a 40-yard pass up field for Tommy Tyne to hammer the ball home!” Stuff like that.

We were pleased with the three points on Monday. The boys looked solid and we were always the better side. We made sure that we finished the game with our noses in front.

In between games, I’ve been chilling out at home. I’ve got a six-week old baby girl Briseis and little puppy Razor. Simone and I plan to get married within a couple of years. We’re both saving up really hard to give ourselves a nice wedding abroad.

When my little ‘un was born I was on fire in front of goal but since her birth my run has been dry. As a defender I won’t get too many goals – so my main target will be to keep clean sheets.

So now we’re looking to do the business again down at Bashley. Fingers crossed, I’ll play and we’ll be top of the league at quarter to five.