FORMER Gillingham favourite Mark Patterson admits that his decision to join Dover Athletic was heavily influenced by the fact that he lives in Ashford.

The 34-year-old defender signed for the Whites on an 18-month contract last Wednesday after being released by the Priestfield club for whom he made nearly 150 first-team appearances during his five-year stay.

Patterson was released by the Gills because he can no longer train on a daily basis due to a knee injury, but his extensive League experience with Plymouth, Derby and Gilling-ham meant that several clubs showed an interest in acquiring his services including Chester, Canvey Island and Gravesend.

He said: “Gravesend showed a lot of interest and I had two or three very good meetings with their manager Andy Ford and chairman Brian Kilcullen, but my final decision was based on location.

“During my 18 years as a professional I have been travelling all around the country, and I just thought that it was time to play for a club close to my home in Ashford.

"If it had been a purely football decision then I would probably have joined Gravesend because they are in the Conference, but there was also the fact that I know four or five of the lads at Dover, which helps you settle in."