Dover will wait for their star striker

DARREN HARE has revealed that the search for a new striker could go into August, writes Justin Allen.

The Dover Athletic assistant-boss says that due to the quality of player boss Andy Hessenthaler is seeking it is unlikely that a deal will be completed soon.

Speaking to www.doverathletic.com, he said: "We've put some feelers out there and Andy and I are going to be patient in our search for a striker.

"Me and Hessie believe we need a different kind of striker to the ones we have at the club. We want someone quite big and who can link play.

"A lot of quality strikers are weighing up their options this time of year, looking for trials at pro clubs. But come the end of July, early August, many of these lads don't get fixed up and their options extend to non-league.

"We've spoken to some players and will keep in touch - and of course we will be keeping a lookout for any gems that become available."

Hare was "chuffed to bits" that highly-talented midfielder Sammy Moore agreed a two-year deal with Dover this week.



DEAL: Assistant Darren Hare (left) and chairman Jim Parmenter look on as Sammy Moore signs his two-year contract with the Ryman Premier League club.
Photograph courtesy of Andrew Stucken - www.doverathletic.com

Sammy is already chomping at the bit to play - and announced to Darren that he has already started training near his home in Deal.

The Whites No2 said: "The kid has such high energy levels and he is so excited about playing for us. I'm chuffed he's come - it's a big compliment to Andy, myself and this club that such a quality player has agreed to come here.

"He definitely is good enough to play at a much higher level, there's no doubt about that, but he's not just come here to play for us, he wants us to help him improve as a player too.

"I think Andy and myself can do that and we cannot wait to work with him. We don't want to put too much pressure on the kid, because he is young, but we both believe he's very similar to Hessie in a lot of ways with his energy levels and enthusiasm for the game.

"Sammy's been on the phone several times already, which indicates his excitement, and told me that he has started training. I've told him 'that's great Sammy, but you need to have a rest too!!!' Seriously, though, we're both thrilled by his enthusiasm and genuine excitement at playing for Dover Athletic. He's a smashing lad and someone who everyone is going to like."

Despite the fact that Sammy, this time last year, was preparing for a season in the Championship with Ipswich, Darren is not surprised that he is this year going to be playing in non-league.

He said: "There are so many good young players out there and very often these kids get a one or two year pro contract, get farmed out on loan, find it tough to settle, then get released.

"Sometimes it just needs a manager at a club, like us for example, to put his arm round the player, say 'look we want you here, you're going to be a big part of what we want to build', giving the lad a feeling that he is wanted to get the best out of him. That's what we've done with Sammy. We want him here, he wants to play for us - and we can't wait."

The former Ipswich player can also play as a full back but Darren believes he is better served playing in his best position - central midfield.

He said: "He's intelligent enough to play in the hole behind the strikers and can play as a full-back too - but with his energy levels he has to play in central midfield, I think. That's his best position where you're going to get more out of him.

"Suddenly our midfield looks very strong with Sammy, Jon Wallis, John Keister, Hessie and Alan Pouton if he stays with us.

"That area is very strong and we've really beefed up our defence by bringing in Olly Schulz and Dean Hill - and up front we've still got some good options with Frannie Collin, Shaun Welford, Lee Browning and, don't forget, Sam Jones.

"We might need a left winger - and that's something me and Hessie are going to sit down and discuss this weekend when he gets back from his trip to Ireland.

“But I reckon one more signing will be made, a striker, and possibly one more - if the budget extends to that. We've got to have a chat with the chairman just to check that - and then go from there."

Expectations are high for the coming season and it is clear that the club want to get promoted at the first attempt - but Darren admits that will not be easy and it may take two years to get into the Blue Square South.

He said: "If you ask the chairman what he wants, he'll say 'get out of this league'. That is exactly what we want to do but the Ryman Premier will be tough, there's some good players and teams in that league so we're under no illusions that it will not be an easy league to get out of.

"We might need a couple of seasons but for sure we'll be giving it a go - and the FA Cup and Trophy are big priorities too. If we can earn, say, £100,000 from a cup run that gives us some funds to really have a push at promotion by bringing in even more quality."

Meanwhile, the club are seeking an exceptional individual to take operational control of their new state of the art entertainment and conferencing venue, as well as managing all catering and entertainment within the six-thousand capacity stadium.

To apply please visit www.doverathletic.com