by Craig Tucker

Nicky Forster wants his Dover Athletic players to follow the example of Manchester United this season.

Whites start their Blue Square Bet South campaign against Farnborough Town at Crabble on Saturday (3pm) knowing they have to improve a patchy home record that cost them a play-off place last term.

Manager Forster expects unfancied Town to make life difficult but has warned his team will have to cope.

He said: "I want us to be more direct this season and by that I mean players running in behind, taking people on and drawing defenders out of position to free other players up.

"Sometimes teams come here and sit back but Manchester United have that every week and they still win so it’s something we’ve got to deal with.

"Farnborough will work hard, keep their shape and look to hit us on the break. We’re expected to get a result but the important thing is we stay patient."

Whites completed their squad by signing former Millwall striker Ben May ahead of a 1-1 draw against Margate in their final friendly. A minor calf injury ruled May out of the game but he should be available this weekend.

The 28-year-old was on trial at Gillingham when Dover pounced but he’s not guaranteed a starting place.

Forster said: "I’m hoping he’ll be the final piece of the jigsaw because I felt we missed a physical threat last season.

"I’ve told him that just because he’s dropped down, don’t think scouts won’t be watching. But I don’t think it’s healthy to guarantee anyone a shirt."

Dover travel to Sutton United for their first away game on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

United reached the Blue Square Bet South play-offs last season and are one of a number of sides Forster believes will be strong.

He said: "I think our fans will expect us to win most games but probably 60 or 70% of the teams in this league think they have a good chance of sneaking into the top five so it would be short-sighted to start saying we’re going to get automatic promotion.

"Sutton finished above us last season, Eastleigh are favourites, then you have Welling, Chelmsford and Basingstoke, not to mention any surprise packages."

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