Our enforced lay-off has caused problems in many areas, says Dover Athletic boss Nicky Forster

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Nicky Forster says he is looking forward to getting back to action after an eighteen-day break.


The Whites welcome Ryman League Division One South outfit Whitstable Town to Crabble tonight for a friendly match, which is free for all supporters to watch.

The game has been arranged so that the Dover players can get back in to the swing of things ahead of their home Blue Square Bet (Conference) South game against Truro City on Saturday.

Forster, who has published a blog on the club’s official website www.doverathletic.com, said: “I'm sure like me many of you will be delighted to see that the weather has finally improved, temperatures have risen and with a bit of luck football can proceed once again.

“With the huge investment that the game has seen over the past 20 years the top two divisions in the English game are now largely unaffected by frozen pitches and heavy snowfall due to under-soil heating but until we get there ourselves or technology provides an answer, we remain at the mercy of the elements.

“I have said before that enforced lay-offs like we have had recently create problems in many areas. Training is obviously a problem with most outdoor areas unplayable so indoor facilities such as leisure centres and school halls have to be used.

“Managers and players alike want games to focus their efforts on at the end of a week to either continue or improve on their current form, and I'm sure that fans are no different.

“Fitness is the biggest issue during these periods as there really is no substitute for match day tempo but under the guidance of Niall Clark we hope that when the next game finally comes we are as close to being 100% as we possibly can be.”

Looking forward to tonight’s game against Justin Luchford’s side, Forster added:  “Tonight we will play Whitstable Town at Crabble to get ourselves back into the swing of things, it will be a good opportunity to work on a few things without three points at stake. There will be no restrictions on substitutions, allowing us to use the whole squad at some stage which will be vital.

“Entrance on the night is free to all who want to attend so come along and enjoy the game.”

Quotes courtesy of www.doverathletic.com  

Dover Athletic  v  Whitstable Town
Friendly Match
Wednesday 15^th February 2012
Kick Off 7:30pm
At Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB