Players need to care about playing for Dover, says Chris Kinnear

Newly appointed Dover Athletic manager, Chris Kinnear, is delighted to be back at the helm of the club he managed so successfully between 1985-1995.



The former Margate boss, who was unveiled as the club's new manager on Saturday, told www.doverathletic.com: "I am looking forward to it, the club is so well run. Everyone is really friendly and there are still some people from when I was here before, as well as some new faces."

Proud to manage Dover once again, Kinnear expects the same from his playing staff: "Players need to care about playing for Dover and not just collecting their cheques. Everyone needs to be together."

Kinnear was also encouraged by the immediate enthusiasm of Dover fans and pointed out how crucial their support will be over the coming months: "I am pleased people think myself and Jake (Leberl) can do a good job. We will aim to show them they were right."

Kinnear will inherit arguably one of the best squads in the Blue Square Bet (Conference) South and is happy to give every player a fresh start: "People have given me some advice, but Jake and I need to make our own minds up. I like to get along with people and everyone will start on a clean slate.

"Sometimes players suit a different style of play. I am hoping everyone will be able to pull together, if not then we will reassess. But I am not here to spend or waste the club's money."

Similarly on the tactical front, Kinnear will not be rushing into any decisions: "The style and formation is influenced by the players you have. Everyone needs to play for their team-mates and we will do everything we can to win games. When we have the ball we will attack and when we don't we will defend."

Though he is yet to visit the Academy in Faversham, the new boss is looking forward to using its potential: "It's good to have young lads in the squad and have a young, athletic side. Hopefully some will come through into the first team."

With respect of this season's final goal, he was very clear as to the target: "To get as many points as possible. Though teams below us have games in hand and can catch up, if we win games, we will get away from them. We might even win the league, who knows?"

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com