TONY BROWNE reported back to training with the rest of the first-team squad – then admitted: “It’s like I’ve never been away.”

The popular defender, back after a one-year spell with Conference South club Welling, opted to drop two divisions with other former players Lee Spiller and Tommy Tyne to help shoot Whites to two promotions.

Tony insists he never wanted to leave in the first place and is delighted to have returned to a club he cannot believe have fallen into the fourth tier of non-league football.

He said: “It’s a bit of a shock that Dover Athletic have suffered two relegations in as many seasons. I certainly couldn’t believe the club had dropped out of the Ryman Premier but that’s all done now – and we’re back here to put things right.

“I reported back to training on Thursday and it was like I’d never been away. I know most of the lads and it was great to see them all again – and also we met some of the new lads such as Daniel Braithwaite, who seems a nice bloke.

“One thing that struck me at training was the great atmosphere and belief that we’re going to win the Ryman League Division One title this season. We certainly should aim for that because the squad has enough depth to it to get out of that division.

“In all honesty, we’ve a strong enough squad to be challenging for promotion from the Ryman Premier. Of course, we’ve got to earn the right for promotion but the team is going to focus hard this season. Clive Walker certainly will make sure everyone works hard to achieve that target.”

Assistant-boss Steve Nolan is taking training while Clive is away in the States. He returns in two weeks. But Tony says that Clive’s No 2 is more than good enough to prepare the team.

He said: “Steve is very educated in the new methods of training. He got us doing short, sharp stuff. That didn’t kill us too much.

“Then, on Saturday, it was stepped up a bit – and it was much harder. But, although we’re grafting, we don’t feel like it – such is the way Steve is running the sessions.

“Earlier, you wouldn’t see a ball for a few weeks. That has all changed now. Lee Spiller’s brother Danny said it’s the same at Gillingham, where he plays. It’s all short, sharp stuff.

“The coaches progress it from there. It’s to stop people getting injured early on. We did do some long running but not five miles. It’s called progressive running – a lot more sensible. It was tiring but just enough.

“Luckily, I normally keep myself fairly fit during the summer. I made the mistake of taking it too easy in the close-season when I was young, coming back not 100 per cent.”

Tony cannot wait to see Clive return from the States. The manager is held in high esteem by the defender – and was the main reason why he decided to drop two divisions.

He said: “Initially I was worried about dropping down. But I spoke to Clive and chairman Jim Parmenter. They had big plans and Dover are a big club. Jim is an experienced chairman and knows a lot about football and is getting everything off-the-field sorted – so all my initial fears went out of the window.

“A double promotion is our bid and if we do that the team will be so confident once back in Conference South – not to mention very settled. Playing lots of games together is the best way to move forward.

“Once Clive is back, then I guess things will be stepped up a bit. We’ll go through patterns of play and shadows of play – he’s always been good at that.

“I’ve been close to Clive since I was 20. He’s such an experienced man. He’s played something like 400 League games and he’s modest about it. He doesn’t shout from the rooftops. He also won the old Division Four with Northampton as a manager and his record is very impressive.

“Although we all get on with Clive, you can’t cross the line with him. You totally respect him. He lays down the law if need be and praises you too. He’s honest – very old school.

“I think old school is the best way – although it needs to be mixed with the new stuff. But Clive is well clued up on modern methods. He’s always been a great psychologist. He gets inside your head. He knows some players need praising, others need a rollicking. He’s a natural at that.”

Tony has always got on well with the Whites faithful. Why has he always been a popular figure? He explains: “I just talk to the fans. I appreciate that they’ve given up their Saturday to come and watch us. They’re paying our wages and it’s them who get us going when we’re struggling.”

Tony this week is expecting the result of his Sports Science degree final and he is hoping to graduate with a 2:2.

He admitted: “I found the last year hard. I gave up school when I was 16 to play football so it was difficult to get back into education again. But I’ll be really pleased with a 2:2. It’s about what I deserve.”

STEVE NOLAN has revealed that the first-team will be working on tactical awareness as well as fitness during this year’s pre-season campaign.

The players return to training tomorrow night (Thursday) and will be put through their paces by assistant-boss Steve, while manager Clive Walker is away.

Clive, currently in the States coaching, returns for Dover’s home friendly against Margate on Tuesday, July 26. That leaves Steve to work with the players alone for three weeks, including two matches against Calais and Colchester.

Steve has been left with instructions from Clive and will be working hard to ensure the players are in tip-top condition for when the new season begins.

He said: “We expect the players to have been keeping themselves fit during the close season. They’re all pretty sensible lads and it’s not in their interests to return to training unfit.

“The main objective is to get them match-fit and tactically aware.

“We’ve got a formation in mind for the players we’ve got this coming season. We’re also looking at a couple of other options. We may want to change formation or tactics during a game or start a different game with a different formation – and that’s what we’re going to be working on.”

The players can expect a tough workout this week but Steve will be careful to make sure they do not burn out.

He said: “It’ll be hard work but it’ll be a slow build up. It won’t be all guns blazing and running the legs off the lads. We’ll gradually build them up.

“I went on a pre-season coaching course at Bisham Abbey a couple of months ago and the methods have changed a bit. Whereas you didn’t see a football for a few weeks earlier, now there are more game-related practices as well as getting the fitness levels up.”

There will be four training sessions before Whites face our French friends Calais on Saturday, July 16. Some players could even be fully fit for that game, while others will need longer to reach the required levels.

Steve added: “Some players are naturally fit. In a couple of weeks, some may be up to peak fitness; others it takes a bit longer. Some need more games under their belts. It takes a few games to get that match fitness back.

“You have to be fit in body and mind. That comes with training practices, phases of play and friendlies as well.”

Steve was appointed Clive’s No 2 this summer after he resigned as manager of Sittingbourne. He spent a number of years assisting former Leeds keeper Mark Beeney at the North Kent club before running the side himself.

But he is delighted to be linking up with Clive at Crabble in a bid to gain two promotions in two seasons – which is the club’s target.

He said: “I’ve known Clive many years. In non-league terms, to say Dover are a big club is a massive understatement. I ran the reserve side here earlier and always enjoyed coming back with Sittingbourne.

“Dover fans have high expectations and rightly so because the club should be at a higher level than where they are now. But, of course, we’ve not got a divine right to be playing at a higher level, because you’ve got to win leagues to do that.

“This is a massive club and we now have the set-up to do well again. We’ve got a good and sensible board in place and I believe Clive is the right person to take this club forward on the field.”

Whites have been drawn away at Lymington and New Milton in the FA Cup preliminary round and home to Dartford in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Steve said: “Promotion is the minimum target this season – and, although a run in the cups would be great, our priority is the league.

“No doubt, I’ll be going to take a look a Lymington and New Milton and Dartford – so we can prepare well for those games. After all, a cup run would bring in a lot of extra revenue for the club. That’s one of the advantages of entering the cup at such an early stage. You earn money for each round you win.

“The squad is looking good and it’s nicely balanced. There are some good young players who can play at a higher level as well as a few experienced heads.”

STEVE NOLAN has revealed that the first-team will be working on tactical awareness as well as fitness during this year’s pre-season campaign.

The players return to training tomorrow night (Thursday) and will be put through their paces by assistant-boss Steve, while manager Clive Walker is away.

Clive, currently in the States coaching, returns for Dover’s home friendly against Margate on Tuesday, July 26. That leaves Steve to work with the players alone for three weeks, including two matches against Calais and Colchester.

Steve has been left with instructions from Clive and will be working hard to ensure the players are in tip-top condition for when the new season begins.

He said: “We expect the players to have been keeping themselves fit during the close season. They’re all pretty sensible lads and it’s not in their interests to return to training unfit.

“The main objective is to get them match-fit and tactically aware.

“We’ve got a formation in mind for the players we’ve got this coming season. We’re also looking at a couple of other options. We may want to change formation or tactics during a game or start a different game with a different formation – and that’s what we’re going to be working on.”

The players can expect a tough workout this week but Steve will be careful to make sure they do not burn out.

He said: “It’ll be hard work but it’ll be a slow build up. It won’t be all guns blazing and running the legs off the lads. We’ll gradually build them up.

“I went on a pre-season coaching course at Bisham Abbey a couple of months ago and the methods have changed a bit. Whereas you didn’t see a football for a few weeks earlier, now there are more game-related practices as well as getting the fitness levels up.”

There will be four training sessions before Whites face our French friends Calais on Saturday, July 16. Some players could even be fully fit for that game, while others will need longer to reach the required levels.

Steve added: “Some players are naturally fit. In a couple of weeks, some may be up to peak fitness; others it takes a bit longer. Some need more games under their belts. It takes a few games to get that match fitness back.

“You have to be fit in body and mind. That comes with training practices, phases of play and friendlies as well.”

Steve was appointed Clive’s No 2 this summer after he resigned as manager of Sittingbourne. He spent a number of years assisting former Leeds keeper Mark Beeney at the North Kent club before running the side himself.

But he is delighted to be linking up with Clive at Crabble in a bid to gain two promotions in two seasons – which is the club’s target.

He said: “I’ve known Clive many years. In non-league terms, to say Dover are a big club is a massive understatement. I ran the reserve side here earlier and always enjoyed coming back with Sittingbourne.

“Dover fans have high expectations and rightly so because the club should be at a higher level than where they are now. But, of course, we’ve not got a divine right to be playing at a higher level, because you’ve got to win leagues to do that.

“This is a massive club and we now have the set-up to do well again. We’ve got a good and sensible board in place and I believe Clive is the right person to take this club forward on the field.”

Whites have been drawn away at Lymington and New Milton in the FA Cup preliminary round and home to Dartford in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Steve said: “Promotion is the minimum target this season – and, although a run in the cups would be great, our priority is the league.

“No doubt, I’ll be going to take a look a Lymington and New Milton and Dartford – so we can prepare well for those games. After all, a cup run would bring in a lot of extra revenue for the club. That’s one of the advantages of entering the cup at such an early stage. You earn money for each round you win.

“The squad is looking good and it’s nicely balanced. There are some good young players who can play at a higher level as well as a few experienced heads.”

DARREN SMITH cannot wait to report back to pre-season training on Thursday.

The new Whites keeper, who has signed for this coming season to compete with first-choice veteran Paul Hyde, is eager to make the Dover No 1 jersey his own.

He said: “I want to get that shirt. I haven’t played since February when I left Heybridge – so I’m aiming for a good pre-season and getting myself fit.

“Then I want to challenge for a place in the side and, once in the team, keep my position between the sticks. I’ve faith in my ability.”

Smithy, 26, signed Ryman League forms for the club in February to provide manager Clive Walker with some cover for Hyde and Kevin Readings last season. He sat on the bench away against Wealdstone as Whites won their penultimate game 1-0.

The likeable Chelmsford-based keeper has committed himself to the cause for this coming campaign and hopes to play a part in helping Whites win the Ryman League Division One title.

But he warned that is not going to be a stroll in the park for Whites despite being installed as the 5-4 bookies’ favourites to lift the title.

Smithy said: “I’ve played at this level before and it’ll be a tough test for us. Being the favourites always brings pressure and a lot of teams will want to beat us this year.

“There are some reasonably good grounds in this division – but there will be a few cowfields too. I can ensure Dover fans that when some of these teams visit Crabble, they’re going to be so up for it. They’ll love the ground and the fact we’ve got good support – and it will make them want to turn us over.

“But we’ve got a great chance of doing well this season. I know Craig Wilkins really well from my time at Gravesend, when we were team-mates, and Lee Spiller and Tony Browne too. They’re three very good players.”

Smith, who has played for Gravesend, Aveley, Chelmsford and Heybridge Swifts, insists Wilkins is going to be the key player for Dover.

He said: “I’ve never seen anyone jump like him. He reminds me of Les Ferdinand. He just jumps and hangs in the air for ages. He should score bundles of goals in this division.”

The keeper is also impressed by Walker – although he has only seen him in action as manager away at Wealdstone. He said: “I don’t know him that well but, from what I saw in that one game, he is a great motivator and has great tactical skills. He is certainly someone to look up to.”

DARREN SMITH cannot wait to report back to pre-season training on Thursday.

The new Whites keeper, who has signed for this coming season to compete with first-choice veteran Paul Hyde, is eager to make the Dover No 1 jersey his own.

He said: “I want to get that shirt. I haven’t played since February when I left Heybridge – so I’m aiming for a good pre-season and getting myself fit.

“Then I want to challenge for a place in the side and, once in the team, keep my position between the sticks. I’ve faith in my ability.”

Smithy, 26, signed Ryman League forms for the club in February to provide manager Clive Walker with some cover for Hyde and Kevin Readings last season. He sat on the bench away against Wealdstone as Whites won their penultimate game 1-0.

The likeable Chelmsford-based keeper has committed himself to the cause for this coming campaign and hopes to play a part in helping Whites win the Ryman League Division One title.

But he warned that is not going to be a stroll in the park for Whites despite being installed as the 5-4 bookies’ favourites to lift the title.

Smithy said: “I’ve played at this level before and it’ll be a tough test for us. Being the favourites always brings pressure and a lot of teams will want to beat us this year.

“There are some reasonably good grounds in this division – but there will be a few cowfields too. I can ensure Dover fans that when some of these teams visit Crabble, they’re going to be so up for it. They’ll love the ground and the fact we’ve got good support – and it will make them want to turn us over.

“But we’ve got a great chance of doing well this season. I know Craig Wilkins really well from my time at Gravesend, when we were team-mates, and Lee Spiller and Tony Browne too. They’re three very good players.”

Smith, who has played for Gravesend, Aveley, Chelmsford and Heybridge Swifts, insists Wilkins is going to be the key player for Dover.

He said: “I’ve never seen anyone jump like him. He reminds me of Les Ferdinand. He just jumps and hangs in the air for ages. He should score bundles of goals in this division.”

The keeper is also impressed by Walker – although he has only seen him in action as manager away at Wealdstone. He said: “I don’t know him that well but, from what I saw in that one game, he is a great motivator and has great tactical skills. He is certainly someone to look up to.”

BOSS Clive Walker cannot wait for the season to start and is confident his squad is strong enough to win the Ryman League Division One title.

His and chairman Jim Parmenter’s wheeler dealing skills in the transfer market have seen the club bring in three top-rate players for the price of one.

Tommy Tyne, Tony Browne and Lee Spiller add valued experience to what is a talented young squad of players – and despite losing Matt Carruthers to Welling as part of the deal Whites have a stronger set-up now than they did when the season finished.

Clive said: “We’re not likely to make any more signings because the budget is now spent. I could’ve brought more players in, had I not gone for these three lads, but I’d have struggled to get the same quality of player.

“It’s vital that we got in top quality players, rather than quantity. We have a squad of 19 now and that’s all we need – and there is a pool of good reserve players that can make the step up if needed.

“Matt, of course, has left, which means we’ve lost a wide player but there are plenty of options in the squad that will give us width. Also I will be looking at a new formation for next season.

“Players like Tony Browne and Daniel Braithwaite can certainly get forward in wide positions and that’s what we’ll be looking at. We may play 3-5-2, with Tony and Daniel on the flanks. Also there’s 4-3-3 and some other options.

“We’re going to look into this during pre-season but I’m confident that this squad can get us promoted out of this league, because that’s absolutely vital.”

Clive insists that he has no shortage of options with a number of players being able to play in different positions.

He said: “Tommy Tyne can play in midfield if need be and then you’ve always got someone like Craig Wilkins who can play at the centre of defence in emergencies, not to mention Clokey who can play in a few different positions – so I’m very relaxed about the squad.

“It’s not going to be an easy league – I’ve no doubt about that. But we have the players who can win the division and, providing they focus on that target and work hard, we will get ourselves up straight away.

“We’re aiming for a double promotion – so this is very much a two-year plan. If we get up this season, then we will add more players next season to the squad to get us into Conference South. We’re going to give it a real go – that’s for sure.”

BOSS Clive Walker cannot wait for the season to start and is confident his squad is strong enough to win the Ryman League Division One title.

His and chairman Jim Parmenter’s wheeler dealing skills in the transfer market have seen the club bring in three top-rate players for the price of one.

Tommy Tyne, Tony Browne and Lee Spiller add valued experience to what is a talented young squad of players – and despite losing Matt Carruthers to Welling as part of the deal Whites have a stronger set-up now than they did when the season finished.

Clive said: “We’re not likely to make any more signings because the budget is now spent. I could’ve brought more players in, had I not gone for these three lads, but I’d have struggled to get the same quality of player.

“It’s vital that we got in top quality players, rather than quantity. We have a squad of 19 now and that’s all we need – and there is a pool of good reserve players that can make the step up if needed.

“Matt, of course, has left, which means we’ve lost a wide player but there are plenty of options in the squad that will give us width. Also I will be looking at a new formation for next season.

“Players like Tony Browne and Daniel Braithwaite can certainly get forward in wide positions and that’s what we’ll be looking at. We may play 3-5-2, with Tony and Daniel on the flanks. Also there’s 4-3-3 and some other options.

“We’re going to look into this during pre-season but I’m confident that this squad can get us promoted out of this league, because that’s absolutely vital.”

Clive insists that he has no shortage of options with a number of players being able to play in different positions.

He said: “Tommy Tyne can play in midfield if need be and then you’ve always got someone like Craig Wilkins who can play at the centre of defence in emergencies, not to mention Clokey who can play in a few different positions – so I’m very relaxed about the squad.

“It’s not going to be an easy league – I’ve no doubt about that. But we have the players who can win the division and, providing they focus on that target and work hard, we will get ourselves up straight away.

“We’re aiming for a double promotion – so this is very much a two-year plan. If we get up this season, then we will add more players next season to the squad to get us into Conference South. We’re going to give it a real go – that’s for sure.”

DOVER ATHLETIC have completed the treble – securing the services of THREE new players in one swoop.

Former River End favourites Tony Browne, Lee Spiller and Tommy Tyne are all rejoining the club after one season at Welling and complete manager Clive Walker’s signings for next season.

Going in the opposite direction as part of the deal is winger Matt Carruthers.

Chairman Jim Parmenter will be holding a press conference at Crabble at 11am this morning (Saturday) where defender Browne and midfielder Spiller will sign two-year contracts. Tyne will also sign once he returns from his holiday after also agreeing to the same deal.

Tyne, 24, and Browne, 28, both played for Whites in the Conference and, along with Spiller, 26, were part of Clive’s team that reached the first round proper for the first time in the club’s history and finished third in the Dr Martens League Premier Division in 2002-03.

Jim said: “These three players were top of Clive’s summer transfer targets and we’re delighted to have secured their services for next season.

“They want to work hard for this club and help us achieve our target of winning the Ryman League Division One title next season and to then get us promoted the following season into Conference South. They have the very qualities Clive and I are looking for and it’s a superb boost to what is already a very talented squad of players.

“We are sorry to see Matt Carruthers leave. Ideally, we’d have liked to keep him here but we have to stick to a budget. The deal is fantastic business for Dover Athletic. We get three very good players for one. It really was a no-brainer and everyone at the club cannot wait for the new season to start.”

Spiller, who used to play for Margate and Gravesend, was released along with Browne 12 months ago and insists he was always going to return to Dover once the opportunity presented itself.

He said: “The three of us never wanted to leave the club in the first place. Tommy left before the season finished and we were released in the close season. Mick Kemp, the chairman then, said we had to move on and that was a shame, because we wanted to stay.

“We cannot believe that the club has dropped down to Ryman One and desperately want to help the club get back to at least Conference South.

“One of the main reasons for us wanting to come back is Clive Walker. He is a top coach and has so much experience, both as a player and manager. He is a winner and, although we’re dropping two leagues to come here, we believe that Clive can improve us as players.

“It’s important the young lads in the squad don’t get complacent. We’ve got a bit of experience and aim to help the youngsters through. I think we’ve got a good mixture of youth and experience in the side and we’re determined to win that Ryman One title next season. We’re a big club and should be playing at a higher level.”

Browne cannot wait to renew his special relationship with the Whites faithful. He has a good rapport with Dover fans and wants to do the business for them.

He said: “Dover are a huge club and get amazing support. I’ve always got on well with the fans here. Hopefully, we can put a few smiles on their faces by helping the team win enough matches to get promoted.

“I’m going to give 100 per cent to Dover and am really up for this. There are some good players in Ryman One so it’s not going to be that easy – but if we put in the hard work that Clive demands then we’ll have a very good chance of getting Dover back up the divisions.

“Jim Parmenter has done a good job since returning to the club and it’s important to have a proper businessman running the show. No disrespect to the former regime, because I’m sure they did their very best, but the set-up at the club now is much more professional than it was when we left.

“The chairman is a football man – and understands how clubs are run. He is ambitious and, with Clive running the team, it’s a good match.”

Browne, who is just finishing a three-year sports science course in South West London, cannot wait to link up with some of his former team-mates such as Craig Wilkins, Paul Hyde, Craig Cloke, Nicky Humphrey and co.

He said: “There’s definitely a good side there. I think with me, Lee and Tommy returning, it gives Clive an extra player in every area of the field. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Welling boss Adrian Pennock said: “These three lads are players I’m reluctantly letting go. The board have asked me to cut the wage bill – so I had no choice. I’m just happy to get Matt Carruthers in exchange, he’s a good player – a matchwinner on his day.

“I know Clive very well and we speak regularly. He asked me a while ago about players and it came up that these lads would be available – so I enquired about Matt and things moved on from there.”

Carruthers, a Whites fan himself, is sorry to be leaving but is excited by the new challenge of playing for Welling.

He said: “It was a tough decision and the ball ended up in my court. If I agreed to go, Dover get three players. If I stayed, then nothing would’ve happened. So there was a bit of pressure there but I’ve thought long and hard about it and decided this is a good deal for all parties.

“I get a new challenge and play in Conference South, Dover get three very good new players which will help them win the league next season and Welling achieve what they want.

“The Dover fans have been great and, who knows, I might be back one day.”

Clive added: “Matt has been a good player for us but this deal was too good to turn down. I want players at this club that I know will do the business and, in Lee, Tony and Tommy, we have. It’s going to be a tough season coming up but we now have a very strong squad to cope with it.”

DOVER ATHLETIC have completed the treble – securing the services of THREE new players in one swoop.

Former River End favourites Tony Browne, Lee Spiller and Tommy Tyne are all rejoining the club after one season at Welling and complete manager Clive Walker’s signings for next season.

Going in the opposite direction as part of the deal is winger Matt Carruthers.

Chairman Jim Parmenter will be holding a press conference at Crabble at 11am this morning (Saturday) where defender Browne and midfielder Spiller will sign two-year contracts. Tyne will also sign once he returns from his holiday after also agreeing to the same deal.

Tyne, 24, and Browne, 28, both played for Whites in the Conference and, along with Spiller, 26, were part of Clive’s team that reached the first round proper for the first time in the club’s history and finished third in the Dr Martens League Premier Division in 2002-03.

Jim said: “These three players were top of Clive’s summer transfer targets and we’re delighted to have secured their services for next season.

“They want to work hard for this club and help us achieve our target of winning the Ryman League Division One title next season and to then get us promoted the following season into Conference South. They have the very qualities Clive and I are looking for and it’s a superb boost to what is already a very talented squad of players.

“We are sorry to see Matt Carruthers leave. Ideally, we’d have liked to keep him here but we have to stick to a budget. The deal is fantastic business for Dover Athletic. We get three very good players for one. It really was a no-brainer and everyone at the club cannot wait for the new season to start.”

Spiller, who used to play for Margate and Gravesend, was released along with Browne 12 months ago and insists he was always going to return to Dover once the opportunity presented itself.

He said: “The three of us never wanted to leave the club in the first place. Tommy left before the season finished and we were released in the close season. Mick Kemp, the chairman then, said we had to move on and that was a shame, because we wanted to stay.

“We cannot believe that the club has dropped down to Ryman One and desperately want to help the club get back to at least Conference South.

“One of the main reasons for us wanting to come back is Clive Walker. He is a top coach and has so much experience, both as a player and manager. He is a winner and, although we’re dropping two leagues to come here, we believe that Clive can improve us as players.

“It’s important the young lads in the squad don’t get complacent. We’ve got a bit of experience and aim to help the youngsters through. I think we’ve got a good mixture of youth and experience in the side and we’re determined to win that Ryman One title next season. We’re a big club and should be playing at a higher level.”

Browne cannot wait to renew his special relationship with the Whites faithful. He has a good rapport with Dover fans and wants to do the business for them.

He said: “Dover are a huge club and get amazing support. I’ve always got on well with the fans here. Hopefully, we can put a few smiles on their faces by helping the team win enough matches to get promoted.

“I’m going to give 100 per cent to Dover and am really up for this. There are some good players in Ryman One so it’s not going to be that easy – but if we put in the hard work that Clive demands then we’ll have a very good chance of getting Dover back up the divisions.

“Jim Parmenter has done a good job since returning to the club and it’s important to have a proper businessman running the show. No disrespect to the former regime, because I’m sure they did their very best, but the set-up at the club now is much more professional than it was when we left.

“The chairman is a football man – and understands how clubs are run. He is ambitious and, with Clive running the team, it’s a good match.”

Browne, who is just finishing a three-year sports science course in South West London, cannot wait to link up with some of his former team-mates such as Craig Wilkins, Paul Hyde, Craig Cloke, Nicky Humphrey and co.

He said: “There’s definitely a good side there. I think with me, Lee and Tommy returning, it gives Clive an extra player in every area of the field. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Welling boss Adrian Pennock said: “These three lads are players I’m reluctantly letting go. The board have asked me to cut the wage bill – so I had no choice. I’m just happy to get Matt Carruthers in exchange, he’s a good player – a matchwinner on his day.

“I know Clive very well and we speak regularly. He asked me a while ago about players and it came up that these lads would be available – so I enquired about Matt and things moved on from there.”

Carruthers, a Whites fan himself, is sorry to be leaving but is excited by the new challenge of playing for Welling.

He said: “It was a tough decision and the ball ended up in my court. If I agreed to go, Dover get three players. If I stayed, then nothing would’ve happened. So there was a bit of pressure there but I’ve thought long and hard about it and decided this is a good deal for all parties.

“I get a new challenge and play in Conference South, Dover get three very good new players which will help them win the league next season and Welling achieve what they want.

“The Dover fans have been great and, who knows, I might be back one day.”

Clive added: “Matt has been a good player for us but this deal was too good to turn down. I want players at this club that I know will do the business and, in Lee, Tony and Tommy, we have. It’s going to be a tough season coming up but we now have a very strong squad to cope with it.”

DOVER ATHLETIC have completed the treble – securing the services of THREE new players in one swoop.

Former River End favourites Tony Browne, Lee Spiller and Tommy Tyne are all rejoining the club after one season at Welling and complete manager Clive Walker’s signings for next season.

Going in the opposite direction as part of the deal is winger Matt Carruthers.

Chairman Jim Parmenter will be holding a press conference at Crabble at 11am this morning (Saturday) where defender Browne and midfielder Spiller will sign two-year contracts. Tyne will also sign once he returns from his holiday after also agreeing to the same deal.

Tyne, 24, and Browne, 28, both played for Whites in the Conference and, along with Spiller, 26, were part of Clive’s team that reached the first round proper for the first time in the club’s history and finished third in the Dr Martens League Premier Division in 2002-03.

Jim said: “These three players were top of Clive’s summer transfer targets and we’re delighted to have secured their services for next season.

“They want to work hard for this club and help us achieve our target of winning the Ryman League Division One title next season and to then get us promoted the following season into Conference South. They have the very qualities Clive and I are looking for and it’s a superb boost to what is already a very talented squad of players.

“We are sorry to see Matt Carruthers leave. Ideally, we’d have liked to keep him here but we have to stick to a budget. The deal is fantastic business for Dover Athletic. We get three very good players for one. It really was a no-brainer and everyone at the club cannot wait for the new season to start.”

Spiller, who used to play for Margate and Gravesend, was released along with Browne 12 months ago and insists he was always going to return to Dover once the opportunity presented itself.

He said: “The three of us never wanted to leave the club in the first place. Tommy left before the season finished and we were released in the close season. Mick Kemp, the chairman then, said we had to move on and that was a shame, because we wanted to stay.

“We cannot believe that the club has dropped down to Ryman One and desperately want to help the club get back to at least Conference South.

“One of the main reasons for us wanting to come back is Clive Walker. He is a top coach and has so much experience, both as a player and manager. He is a winner and, although we’re dropping two leagues to come here, we believe that Clive can improve us as players.

“It’s important the young lads in the squad don’t get complacent. We’ve got a bit of experience and aim to help the youngsters through. I think we’ve got a good mixture of youth and experience in the side and we’re determined to win that Ryman One title next season. We’re a big club and should be playing at a higher level.”

Browne cannot wait to renew his special relationship with the Whites faithful. He has a good rapport with Dover fans and wants to do the business for them.

He said: “Dover are a huge club and get amazing support. I’ve always got on well with the fans here. Hopefully, we can put a few smiles on their faces by helping the team win enough matches to get promoted.

“I’m going to give 100 per cent to Dover and am really up for this. There are some good players in Ryman One so it’s not going to be that easy – but if we put in the hard work that Clive demands then we’ll have a very good chance of getting Dover back up the divisions.

“Jim Parmenter has done a good job since returning to the club and it’s important to have a proper businessman running the show. No disrespect to the former regime, because I’m sure they did their very best, but the set-up at the club now is much more professional than it was when we left.

“The chairman is a football man – and understands how clubs are run. He is ambitious and, with Clive running the team, it’s a good match.”

Browne, who is just finishing a three-year sports science course in South West London, cannot wait to link up with some of his former team-mates such as Craig Wilkins, Paul Hyde, Craig Cloke, Nicky Humphrey and co.

He said: “There’s definitely a good side there. I think with me, Lee and Tommy returning, it gives Clive an extra player in every area of the field. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Welling boss Adrian Pennock said: “These three lads are players I’m reluctantly letting go. The board have asked me to cut the wage bill – so I had no choice. I’m just happy to get Matt Carruthers in exchange, he’s a good player – a matchwinner on his day.

“I know Clive very well and we speak regularly. He asked me a while ago about players and it came up that these lads would be available – so I enquired about Matt and things moved on from there.”

Carruthers, a Whites fan himself, is sorry to be leaving but is excited by the new challenge of playing for Welling.

He said: “It was a tough decision and the ball ended up in my court. If I agreed to go, Dover get three players. If I stayed, then nothing would’ve happened. So there was a bit of pressure there but I’ve thought long and hard about it and decided this is a good deal for all parties.

“I get a new challenge and play in Conference South, Dover get three very good new players which will help them win the league next season and Welling achieve what they want.

“The Dover fans have been great and, who knows, I might be back one day.”

Clive added: “Matt has been a good player for us but this deal was too good to turn down. I want players at this club that I know will do the business and, in Lee, Tony and Tommy, we have. It’s going to be a tough season coming up but we now have a very strong squad to cope with it.”