Matt Johnson is joining us for the right reasons, says Dover Athletic boss Martin Hayes

MATT JOHNSON has joined Dover Athletic for ambition – not money – after completing his move from Rushden and Diamonds, writes Justin Allen.


The highly-rated midfielder was offered a contract by Blue Square Premier club Mansfield Town but opted to drop down into the Southern section with a view to take Dover Athletic into non-league’s top tier.

He joins his Rushden team-mate Shane Huke at Crabble – although his other Diamonds colleague Justin Miller opted to move to Chelmsford City instead of Dover Athletic because of travelling reasons.

Boss Martin Hayes told www.doverathletic.com: “It’s great that Matt is joining us for the right reasons – which is for ambition, not money.

“He’s actually not on big money – and could have got much more money elsewhere. But he sees us as a great chance to get back into the Conference in one season and build something here.

“Isn’t it great that there are players out there still where money is not their first port of call?

“The way we finished playing last season, a 4-3-3-, matches how Rushden played last season so Matt is comfortable with that. He’s been involved in 40-odd Conference games last season and is a good size, over 6ft. He gives us height and strength – and is a box-to-box player. He gives us a bit some workrate.”

Hayes did even try to sign Max Porter from Rushden but the striker has been snapped up by League Two newboys AFC Wimbledon.

However, the Dover chief admits his contact with Max, who he sold to Barnet while managing Bishop’s Stortford, and his old pal and Diamonds boss Justin Edinburgh have given him a headstart on a number of players who are currently looking for new clubs.

He said: I know Justin, know Max Porter, who has just gone to Wimbledon. Max mentioned some lads were unhappy and Justin has been good to us too.

“We nearly got Justin Miller, but he only lives 15 minutes away from Chelmsford – however, that only opened the door for us to get Phil Starkey, (a defender, who has previously played for Gravesend & Northfleet and Tonbridge Angels, who has signed a one-year contract), who won the league with Braintree last season.”

Hayes is currently talking to a goalkeeper and made some initial contact with a proven prolific striker.

There have been no offers on the table for star striker Adam Birchall – and Hayes admitted: “He’s probably got to score another 40 goals next season for people to realise what they’ve missed out on.

“At this moment in time, the club have not received a single bid for Adam. If one comes in, then obviously we can then talk to Adam and say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He’s a great player and very happy he’s ours.”

Article courtesy of Justin Allen – www.doverathletic.com