Clive Walker saluted Victor Renner’s second-half double that secured Dover’s fourth win from five matches.

Renner’s last-gasp winner in the 2-1 win against Salisbury means Whites still have an outside chance of completing Mission Impossible.

But boss Walker has told his players they need to win NINE games out of the last 11 if they are stand any chance of avoiding a heartbreaking second successive relegation.

He said: “Victor’s goals were well taken and keeps our run going but we cannot even think about staying up at the moment. We can only concentrate on the next game and look to win it.

“I’ve told the lads they need to win another nine games. It’s an enormous ask for any team at any level. But while there’s hope, we’ll have a good go at doing it.

“Sadly, we’ve played more games than anyone else and that’s something I cannot understand. Why did games get brought forward earlier in the season, when we weren’t doing so well?

“When you are struggling, one thing you don’t want to do is arrange to bring games forward. But that’s done now and all we can do is try to deal with the situation as it is.

“Harrow Borough are next up and we’ve got to beat them. No question about that. We’ve got to win all our games, there’s barely any margin for error now.”

Striker Renner has impressed Walker and defender Jude Sterling has also looked good. Both players are an important part of Walker’s plans and have played vital roles in lifting team spirit.

Walker said: “They’re both good lads and great to have in the changing room. The boys are bubbly characters and that’s exactly what we need at this club.”

Sterling has been impressed by Walker since he returned to the club a few weeks ago and insists he has lifted everyone’s morale.

The ex-Luton and Stevenage stopper said: “Clive has made the players believe in themselves. He’s told us that our ability is not a problem, it’s just a question of having belief, chasing what appears a lost cause sometimes on the pitch and putting your head in where it might hurt.

“It was a good team performance on Saturday. In the past, there’s been a few good individual displays but recently the team have really stuck together.”

Walker is still hoping to sign a striker. He last week put in a seven-day approach for a prolific goalscorer and should know if he is successful on Thursday night.

He said: “The lad is a decent striker and scores goals. We’d like him to come to Dover and enjoy his football here. We’ve offered him a decent deal, which involves an 18-month contract.

“Dover are a big non-league club, with superb fans and a lovely ground. And, whatever happens this season, we are moving in the right direction again, ambitious to win trophies and climb back to where we belong.”

Meanwhile, keeper Paul Hyde should return to the side at Harrow after recovering from a head injury and Shane Hamshare is back from suspension. But Daniel Braithwaite is suspended.

Clive Walker saluted Victor Renner’s second-half double that secured Dover’s fourth win from five matches.

Renner’s last-gasp winner in the 2-1 win against Salisbury means Whites still have an outside chance of completing Mission Impossible.

But boss Walker has told his players they need to win NINE games out of the last 11 if they are stand any chance of avoiding a heartbreaking second successive relegation.

He said: “Victor’s goals were well taken and keeps our run going but we cannot even think about staying up at the moment. We can only concentrate on the next game and look to win it.

“I’ve told the lads they need to win another nine games. It’s an enormous ask for any team at any level. But while there’s hope, we’ll have a good go at doing it.

“Sadly, we’ve played more games than anyone else and that’s something I cannot understand. Why did games get brought forward earlier in the season, when we weren’t doing so well?

“When you are struggling, one thing you don’t want to do is arrange to bring games forward. But that’s done now and all we can do is try to deal with the situation as it is.

“Harrow Borough are next up and we’ve got to beat them. No question about that. We’ve got to win all our games, there’s barely any margin for error now.”

Striker Renner has impressed Walker and defender Jude Sterling has also looked good. Both players are an important part of Walker’s plans and have played vital roles in lifting team spirit.

Walker said: “They’re both good lads and great to have in the changing room. The boys are bubbly characters and that’s exactly what we need at this club.”

Sterling has been impressed by Walker since he returned to the club a few weeks ago and insists he has lifted everyone’s morale.

The ex-Luton and Stevenage stopper said: “Clive has made the players believe in themselves. He’s told us that our ability is not a problem, it’s just a question of having belief, chasing what appears a lost cause sometimes on the pitch and putting your head in where it might hurt.

“It was a good team performance on Saturday. In the past, there’s been a few good individual displays but recently the team have really stuck together.”

Walker is still hoping to sign a striker. He last week put in a seven-day approach for a prolific goalscorer and should know if he is successful on Thursday night.

He said: “The lad is a decent striker and scores goals. We’d like him to come to Dover and enjoy his football here. We’ve offered him a decent deal, which involves an 18-month contract.

“Dover are a big non-league club, with superb fans and a lovely ground. And, whatever happens this season, we are moving in the right direction again, ambitious to win trophies and climb back to where we belong.”

Meanwhile, keeper Paul Hyde should return to the side at Harrow after recovering from a head injury and Shane Hamshare is back from suspension. But Daniel Braithwaite is suspended.

CLIVE WALKER answers question put to him by fans through this website.

MARTIN P: Why do you play Matt Carruthers wide left? It seems to work but surely he is better off getting to the byline and crossing with his stronger foot?

CLIVE: I moved Matty to the left against Staines because they were causing problems down that side and I needed his pace to cancel that threat. I agree with you, though. He is better on the right or upfront – but sometimes needs be.

JOHN MOORHOUSE: (1) How did you go about making your first-team selection when you returned to the club? Did you rely on other people explaining strengths and weaknesses? Base the selection on training?

(2) Also, what did you expect from the first game, knowing that Steve Browne had a very unsuccessful time at the club?

(3) And are you looking at bringing back any players who had left the squad during your time away from the club?

CLIVE: (1) I had to rely on other peoples opinions having not seen many of them play and seen them only twice in training.
(2) I did not know what to expect having looked at the previous results.
(3) I would like to bring back one or two as they are players I can trust to do the job and know what I expect.

JEFF LEACH: I’d like to know the reason why Matt is played on the left (by all Dover managers) when he is obviously a right footed player. And he therefore cannot get to the byline and cross the ball back into the box, which is a far more dangerous attacking option.

For me James Rogers is a great player down the left with geat crossing ability.

CLIVE: Yes, James Rogers is a good young player and will no doubt become a good player for Dover Athletic. But, as I have said previously, Matty has had to play on the left and has scored two goals in two games, so I left him well alone.

CHRIS ROBERTS: (1) If the Club had asked you to come back as manager when Richard Langley was finally sacked, would you have said yes?

(2) If we do not manage to stay up this season, would you say that we have a very good chance of finishing next season as champions of Ryman Division One?

(3) Will we be taking the next round of the Kent Senior Cup seriously, given that the club has not won anything for more years than most supporters care to remember?

CLIVE: (1) No, because of the situation that happened before with the then board of directors.

(2) Yes, I think we will have a great chance of promotion, having had 15 months at that level with Chatham.

(3) Yes, I think this season it is important we try to win the Kent Senior Cup and give the supporters something to shout about.

Martin P: I and many other fans would like to see the return of some familiar faces to Crabble (Tyne, Chapman etc) but I’m lead to belive that good ex players such as Iain O’Connell, Stuart Munday and Simon Beard are unattached. Would you consider bringing players like these back to the club? A bit of experience to help us rebuild. How difficult are you finding it, trying to bring players in?

CLIVE: It’s like I said before I would like to bring some familiar faces back. At this time of the season it is difficult because most of the better players are in settled sides.

MARTIN PEARCE: Clive, there is some concern about you missing the vital pre-season period to coach in America. How do you view this and will you have a No 2 in place by then to take the reins while you are away?

CLIVE: Yes there will be an assistant manager/coach in place before I go to America. I have missed the last 11 pre-seasons because I need to earn a living throughout the summer months usually between mid-June and mid-July. But I always leave a programme to be followed and am always kept up to date with everything that happens.

CLIVE WALKER answers question put to him by fans through this website.

MARTIN P: Why do you play Matt Carruthers wide left? It seems to work but surely he is better off getting to the byline and crossing with his stronger foot?

CLIVE: I moved Matty to the left against Staines because they were causing problems down that side and I needed his pace to cancel that threat. I agree with you, though. He is better on the right or upfront – but sometimes needs be.

JOHN MOORHOUSE: (1) How did you go about making your first-team selection when you returned to the club? Did you rely on other people explaining strengths and weaknesses? Base the selection on training?

(2) Also, what did you expect from the first game, knowing that Steve Browne had a very unsuccessful time at the club?

(3) And are you looking at bringing back any players who had left the squad during your time away from the club?

CLIVE: (1) I had to rely on other peoples opinions having not seen many of them play and seen them only twice in training.
(2) I did not know what to expect having looked at the previous results.
(3) I would like to bring back one or two as they are players I can trust to do the job and know what I expect.

JEFF LEACH: I’d like to know the reason why Matt is played on the left (by all Dover managers) when he is obviously a right footed player. And he therefore cannot get to the byline and cross the ball back into the box, which is a far more dangerous attacking option.

For me James Rogers is a great player down the left with geat crossing ability.

CLIVE: Yes, James Rogers is a good young player and will no doubt become a good player for Dover Athletic. But, as I have said previously, Matty has had to play on the left and has scored two goals in two games, so I left him well alone.

CHRIS ROBERTS: (1) If the Club had asked you to come back as manager when Richard Langley was finally sacked, would you have said yes?

(2) If we do not manage to stay up this season, would you say that we have a very good chance of finishing next season as champions of Ryman Division One?

(3) Will we be taking the next round of the Kent Senior Cup seriously, given that the club has not won anything for more years than most supporters care to remember?

CLIVE: (1) No, because of the situation that happened before with the then board of directors.

(2) Yes, I think we will have a great chance of promotion, having had 15 months at that level with Chatham.

(3) Yes, I think this season it is important we try to win the Kent Senior Cup and give the supporters something to shout about.

Martin P: I and many other fans would like to see the return of some familiar faces to Crabble (Tyne, Chapman etc) but I’m lead to belive that good ex players such as Iain O’Connell, Stuart Munday and Simon Beard are unattached. Would you consider bringing players like these back to the club? A bit of experience to help us rebuild. How difficult are you finding it, trying to bring players in?

CLIVE: It’s like I said before I would like to bring some familiar faces back. At this time of the season it is difficult because most of the better players are in settled sides.

MARTIN PEARCE: Clive, there is some concern about you missing the vital pre-season period to coach in America. How do you view this and will you have a No 2 in place by then to take the reins while you are away?

CLIVE: Yes there will be an assistant manager/coach in place before I go to America. I have missed the last 11 pre-seasons because I need to earn a living throughout the summer months usually between mid-June and mid-July. But I always leave a programme to be followed and am always kept up to date with everything that happens.

CLIVE WALKER may have won his first two games in charge of Whites – but he is not entirely happy.

The Dover boss was alarmed by some of the defending at Staines on Saturday and again in the Kent Senior Cup match against Ashford on Tuesday – especially during the first half.

And Walker said: “In the first 45 minutes against Ashford we were awful. Defensively we were all over the shop. That is the main area of concern for me. It was quite alarming at times.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are some good players here and we have the makings of a good side.

“But it does concern me when defenders don’t do the basics right. We drifted out of position a few times, didn’t close down the opposition quickly enough and generally didn’t keep at them.

“We look decent when we have the ball but not so good when we don’t – and that is what I’ve picked up from watching the last two games. And, as I said, the first half against Ashford concerned me.”

Yet despite this Walker is delighted with what he has seen up front and seven goals in two games is good by anyone’s standards.

He admitted: “We look good going forward. It looks as though we’ve got goals in us – so that’s pleasing. I’ve no problems so far in that area of the team.”

The Whites chief is hoping to sign two players in the next week although he admitted it may take a couple more weeks to get the men in he needs.

He said: “I want to get a couple of players in who I trust to do certain jobs. I don’t want to say what positions because some of the lads may think I’m replacing them.

“That may not be the case because some of these lads can play in a couple of positions. So it may be that I bring in a left back or right back, for example, and push the left back or right back in midfield. That’s just an example – not necessarily what I’m going to do.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of clubs and it may take a week or two to get the players in who I want.”

Walker admits it is difficult to rectify the defensive problems on the training pitch at the moment. The Dover boss needs access to a full-size pitch, which is not always possible this time of year.

He said: “We’ve been training at the Hoverspeed Stadium but I don’t want us training on there all the time because it mucks up the pitch.

“The area behind the ground is too small for the kind of work we need to do – so it’s vital we find a full-size pitch for next season to train on.

“I’ve had the lads up on the pitch at the stadium this last week but we won’t be able to train on it tonight. And when you are trying to do work on sorting out defensive situations, you need to.

“So it’s difficult but that’s something we’ll have to look into for next season for sure.”

Meanwhile Dean Palmer has expressed to Walker that he is happy to stay at Dover – despite a seven day notice from East Thurrock.

But Walker added: “We can’t stop East Thurrock talking to him and it’ll be down to Dean. However, I have spoken to the lad and he seems happy to stay here.”

The situation at the bottom remains critical and Walker knows only too well that time is running out to save Whites from relegation. But two wins in a week breeds confidence and victory on Saturday against Windsor and Eton will surely make some of the teams above the relegation zone look over their shoulders.

Walker said: “We’ve just got to keep winning. It’s a bit like cup football now. To go from now to the end of the season unbeaten is a huge task and someone is bound to beat us – but we’ve got two wins in a row and will be aiming to win again on Saturday. That’s what we’ve got to keep doing.”

CLIVE WALKER may have won his first two games in charge of Whites – but he is not entirely happy.

The Dover boss was alarmed by some of the defending at Staines on Saturday and again in the Kent Senior Cup match against Ashford on Tuesday – especially during the first half.

And Walker said: “In the first 45 minutes against Ashford we were awful. Defensively we were all over the shop. That is the main area of concern for me. It was quite alarming at times.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are some good players here and we have the makings of a good side.

“But it does concern me when defenders don’t do the basics right. We drifted out of position a few times, didn’t close down the opposition quickly enough and generally didn’t keep at them.

“We look decent when we have the ball but not so good when we don’t – and that is what I’ve picked up from watching the last two games. And, as I said, the first half against Ashford concerned me.”

Yet despite this Walker is delighted with what he has seen up front and seven goals in two games is good by anyone’s standards.

He admitted: “We look good going forward. It looks as though we’ve got goals in us – so that’s pleasing. I’ve no problems so far in that area of the team.”

The Whites chief is hoping to sign two players in the next week although he admitted it may take a couple more weeks to get the men in he needs.

He said: “I want to get a couple of players in who I trust to do certain jobs. I don’t want to say what positions because some of the lads may think I’m replacing them.

“That may not be the case because some of these lads can play in a couple of positions. So it may be that I bring in a left back or right back, for example, and push the left back or right back in midfield. That’s just an example – not necessarily what I’m going to do.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of clubs and it may take a week or two to get the players in who I want.”

Walker admits it is difficult to rectify the defensive problems on the training pitch at the moment. The Dover boss needs access to a full-size pitch, which is not always possible this time of year.

He said: “We’ve been training at the Hoverspeed Stadium but I don’t want us training on there all the time because it mucks up the pitch.

“The area behind the ground is too small for the kind of work we need to do – so it’s vital we find a full-size pitch for next season to train on.

“I’ve had the lads up on the pitch at the stadium this last week but we won’t be able to train on it tonight. And when you are trying to do work on sorting out defensive situations, you need to.

“So it’s difficult but that’s something we’ll have to look into for next season for sure.”

Meanwhile Dean Palmer has expressed to Walker that he is happy to stay at Dover – despite a seven day notice from East Thurrock.

But Walker added: “We can’t stop East Thurrock talking to him and it’ll be down to Dean. However, I have spoken to the lad and he seems happy to stay here.”

The situation at the bottom remains critical and Walker knows only too well that time is running out to save Whites from relegation. But two wins in a week breeds confidence and victory on Saturday against Windsor and Eton will surely make some of the teams above the relegation zone look over their shoulders.

Walker said: “We’ve just got to keep winning. It’s a bit like cup football now. To go from now to the end of the season unbeaten is a huge task and someone is bound to beat us – but we’ve got two wins in a row and will be aiming to win again on Saturday. That’s what we’ve got to keep doing.”

DOVER ATHLETIC director Roger Knight tonight has issued a statement regarding concern among fans over our non-contracted players.

Essex club East Thurrock submitted a seven-day approach for Dean Palmer and are free to speak to the player on Thursday – although Whites boss Clive Walker has made it clear that he wants him to stay at the club.

Roger – the stand-in chairman this week in the absence of Jim Parmenter, who is away on business – said the club would seek to do everything they possibly can to keep the best players, including Palmer.

He said: “I understand the fans’ concerns regarding the future of some of the players. From a new board point of view, we have asked Clive to identify as quickly as possible the players he would want to keep in the team.

“Obviously, Clive will need time to assess strengths and weaknesses and it would be unfair to apply unnecessary pressure so soon after his appointment.

“We are aware that a number of players are non-contract. I’ve spoken to some of them and it’d seem for the moment at least they are prepared to see how things progress.

“The board will soon be reviewing the playing squad with Clive and also player budgets for the future but I must stress, the club’s survival is paramount. Financially it’s still very much an uphill struggle and raising money to pay off existing debts, along with creating an overall achievable budget, has to be our main priority.

“It’s a fact if clubs come in for our non-contract players, and are able to offer better terms, we are unlikely to be in a position to increase our current arrangements.

“But not many clubs at this level are bigger than Dover and the players know this. They also recognise the incredible potential of the club and the fact it has tremendous support.

“While this may concern and disappoint some fans, we still have a club to support, which without doubt would not be the case if the present board had not stepped in, and I can assure everyone that we are working tirelessly to ensure the club returns to a higher level where it belongs.”

DOVER ATHLETIC director Roger Knight tonight has issued a statement regarding concern among fans over our non-contracted players.

Essex club East Thurrock submitted a seven-day approach for Dean Palmer and are free to speak to the player on Thursday – although Whites boss Clive Walker has made it clear that he wants him to stay at the club.

Roger – the stand-in chairman this week in the absence of Jim Parmenter, who is away on business – said the club would seek to do everything they possibly can to keep the best players, including Palmer.

He said: “I understand the fans’ concerns regarding the future of some of the players. From a new board point of view, we have asked Clive to identify as quickly as possible the players he would want to keep in the team.

“Obviously, Clive will need time to assess strengths and weaknesses and it would be unfair to apply unnecessary pressure so soon after his appointment.

“We are aware that a number of players are non-contract. I’ve spoken to some of them and it’d seem for the moment at least they are prepared to see how things progress.

“The board will soon be reviewing the playing squad with Clive and also player budgets for the future but I must stress, the club’s survival is paramount. Financially it’s still very much an uphill struggle and raising money to pay off existing debts, along with creating an overall achievable budget, has to be our main priority.

“It’s a fact if clubs come in for our non-contract players, and are able to offer better terms, we are unlikely to be in a position to increase our current arrangements.

“But not many clubs at this level are bigger than Dover and the players know this. They also recognise the incredible potential of the club and the fact it has tremendous support.

“While this may concern and disappoint some fans, we still have a club to support, which without doubt would not be the case if the present board had not stepped in, and I can assure everyone that we are working tirelessly to ensure the club returns to a higher level where it belongs.”

CLIVE WALKER insists he is not going to get too carried away after getting off to a winning start upon his return to the Dover hotseat.

Walker, who replaced sacked manager Steve Browne only last Sunday after 15 months away from the club, admitted he was happy with the overall performance at Staines.

But he warned that he will be reserving his judgement on the Dover squad for the time being.

He said: “They did well. Staines were a decent side and we looked alright. I don’t want to say any more than that because I’ve been down this road before.

“I’ve got to see more games before making a proper judgement on this squad but I cannot fault their commitment on Saturday. It was good.

“We look decent up front. Paul Armstrong looks a good player and Matt Carruthers did well, although he is lacking match fitness at the moment – but he’ll get up to speed. He’s naturally fit anyway.

“I thought we got overwhelmed a couple of times in certain areas of the field. That was a concern but I need to see a bit more before deciding what’s what.

“Overall, it was a good day’s work. We were up against a good side and we’ve come away with three points. We desperately needed them – so you can’t argue with that.”

Walker took a punt at changing the formation to 4-4-2 and admitted: “It was a stab in the dark on my part. The system used earlier obviously wasn’t working, so I thought it might be an idea to change it.

“The team was picked based purely on how I saw it in the first week here. I liked Cloke and Readings in the centre of defence and Dean Palmer looked a very decent player.”

Palmer is subject to a seven-day approach from East Thurrock. The club received notification from the Essex side on Thursday and that means they can talk to the player on Wednesday, about a possible move to their club.

But the ball is firmly in Palmer’s court although Walker hopes he will stay at Dover. And Whites fans will be hoping he stays too, after impressing in a number of games since being signed by Browne.

He said: “I liked what I saw of him in training this week and at Staines. He showed a lot of good skills and looks decent to me.

“It’s down to Dean whether he wants to stay with us. He’s a non-contracted player so any club can put a seven-day notice in through the FA and then they are free to talk to him.”

Whites face Ashford at the Hoverspeed Stadium on Tuesday in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final – giving Walker another chance to assess his squad, but without the pressure of league points being up for grabs.

Walker added: “It’s ideal for us. We want to win the game but there’s no pressure on us. I will get a good look at the players again and see how it goes.

“I may not call the players in for training on Thursday – depending on how much the game takes out of us. Although they will be coming in for training if the performance is poor.”

CLIVE WALKER insists he is not going to get too carried away after getting off to a winning start upon his return to the Dover hotseat.

Walker, who replaced sacked manager Steve Browne only last Sunday after 15 months away from the club, admitted he was happy with the overall performance at Staines.

But he warned that he will be reserving his judgement on the Dover squad for the time being.

He said: “They did well. Staines were a decent side and we looked alright. I don’t want to say any more than that because I’ve been down this road before.

“I’ve got to see more games before making a proper judgement on this squad but I cannot fault their commitment on Saturday. It was good.

“We look decent up front. Paul Armstrong looks a good player and Matt Carruthers did well, although he is lacking match fitness at the moment – but he’ll get up to speed. He’s naturally fit anyway.

“I thought we got overwhelmed a couple of times in certain areas of the field. That was a concern but I need to see a bit more before deciding what’s what.

“Overall, it was a good day’s work. We were up against a good side and we’ve come away with three points. We desperately needed them – so you can’t argue with that.”

Walker took a punt at changing the formation to 4-4-2 and admitted: “It was a stab in the dark on my part. The system used earlier obviously wasn’t working, so I thought it might be an idea to change it.

“The team was picked based purely on how I saw it in the first week here. I liked Cloke and Readings in the centre of defence and Dean Palmer looked a very decent player.”

Palmer is subject to a seven-day approach from East Thurrock. The club received notification from the Essex side on Thursday and that means they can talk to the player on Wednesday, about a possible move to their club.

But the ball is firmly in Palmer’s court although Walker hopes he will stay at Dover. And Whites fans will be hoping he stays too, after impressing in a number of games since being signed by Browne.

He said: “I liked what I saw of him in training this week and at Staines. He showed a lot of good skills and looks decent to me.

“It’s down to Dean whether he wants to stay with us. He’s a non-contracted player so any club can put a seven-day notice in through the FA and then they are free to talk to him.”

Whites face Ashford at the Hoverspeed Stadium on Tuesday in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-final – giving Walker another chance to assess his squad, but without the pressure of league points being up for grabs.

Walker added: “It’s ideal for us. We want to win the game but there’s no pressure on us. I will get a good look at the players again and see how it goes.

“I may not call the players in for training on Thursday – depending on how much the game takes out of us. Although they will be coming in for training if the performance is poor.”