Manager Andy Hessenthaler has given Dover supporters the lift they needed by pledging to lead another promotion challenge next season.

After the disappointment of missing out on a place in the Blue Square South play-off final following Saturday’s goalless home draw with Woking, the conversation among Whites fans quickly turned to the likelihood of Hessenthaler still being at Crabble for the start of next season.

The standing of the former Gillingham manager, having gone close to achieving three promotions in successive seasons at Crabble, has been cemented with Dover and struggling Football League clubs such as Barnet, where he was a popular player, are certain to have taken notice.

But Hessenthaler, who has a year left on his contract, insisted: "When I first came here three years ago I said that my aim was to get this club back to where it belongs, the Conference (Blue Square) Premier and if I don’t achieve that then I haven’t done my job.

"I’m disappointed that we have lost in the play-offs but now we have got to go and try to win the league next season. I believe it will happen and that I will be in charge when it does happen."

Hessenthaler said he would be having talks with his players this week to let them know who would be retained for next season. He said: "We are going to have to make changes but that’s football and the players understand that.

"There are going to be some tough decisions but I have got to build a side now that will be good enough to win this league next season, not just get into the play-offs.