Dover add pair to their promotion chasing squad

Dover Athletic player-manager Andy Hessenthaler followed up Whites' 2-1 win against Crawley with more good news, announcing the signings of Dean Ruddy and Alan Pouton, writes Matthew Clements.

Ruddy, who didn't concede in his 75 minutes on the pitch against Crawley, is settling in well at Crabble. His confidence and decision-making has stood out in the three friendly games so far.

He is not unknown to Dover's most ardent fans, who first admired the American stopper when he kept a clean sheet against Athletic for Horsham YMCA at Gorings Mead last season. He will now return to his old club in Dover colours for the first match of the league season on August 18.

Midfielder Pouton, 30, is another exciting addition to Hessenthaler's expanding squad. The technically gifted player will increase the experience in a young group at Crabble, competing for a place in central midfield with the likes of Jon Wallis, John Keister and Hessenthaler.

Alan played over 100 games in the Football League for York before clocking up another 135 at Grimsby. In 2004 he moved to Gillingham, where he lined up alongside Hessenthaler, but injuries meant that he stayed only two and a half years at Priestfield.

Pouton, who scored on his Dover debut with a superb free-kick against his old club last week, made the decision to retire from professional football in January 2007 due to a string of injuries. He played for 60 minutes against Crawley on Saturday, showing good touches, vision and set piece ability.

Hessenthaler, in an interview on DAFCtv, said of the signings: "Two great additions to the squad. They both played very well today. So that's another two players on board."

Of the friendly performances, Hessenthaler said: "We were a little bit frustrated the other night (against Eastbourne). It wasn't a bad, bad performance but we know we could have played better.

"But today (Saturday) it was totally the opposite. We passed the ball, that was the key. You could tell from today's performance how confident the boys are."

To watch Hessenthaler's full six-minute interview with Tom Crawley on DAFCtv and hear his thoughts on the situation in defence, the latest on Whites' French triallists and his opinion on the youngsters in his squad, click on www.dafctv.co.uk


Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com & www.doverathletic.com