Manager Andy Hessenthaler has wasted no time in preparing for life in Blue Square South by earmarking three players he wants to bolster his Dover squad well in advance of next season.

After last Thursday’s meeting with chairman Jim Parmenter to discover his new budget, Hessenthaler (pictured right) said: "I don’t want to spend the pre-season negotiating for new signings. So it’s important we do our business now before people start going on holiday.

"Though I want to get our transfer business done and dusted quickly, you can never be sure because of outside factors."

One of the three players on his list is believed to be Hessenthaler’s old friend and business partner Nicky Southall, who is expected to be released by Gillingham. Southall spent a period on loan with Whites last season.

While the manager prepared for the arrival of new players, he bid farewell this week to wingers Sam Jones and Matt Bodkin who have not been offered new contracts. Jones moved from Ramsgate last summer, while Bodkin came to Crabble on a free transfer from Grays Athletic in February.

"I would like to place on record the club’s thanks to Sam and Matt for their contributions to a memorable season," said Hessenthaler.

Also leaving is Laurence Ball, who is taking a masters degree at Oxford, while Giuilano Grazioli has been forced to retire through injury.

John Keister, Matt Fish and James Rogers have been offered new contracts.