Dover defender Craig Cloke has quit the club to join Ryman League Premier Division side Margate in the wake of Andy Hessenthaler's departure from Crabble.

The out-going Whites boss had offered youth team product Cloke (pictured) a pay-as-you-play deal but with Hessenthaler set to take over the reins at Gillingham, Cloke has opted to end his seven-year stint with Athletic and switch to Hartsdown Park.

Cloke can also play in midfield but has seen his appearances over the past two seasons severely hampered by injury.

Defender Laurence Ball is another former Dover man joining Gate after completing a degree.

Manager Iain O’Connell said: "The two former Dover lads will add strength and depth to the squad for next season.

"I’ve made no secret of my search for additional firepower up front, but we also needed to strengthen at the back and the four central defenders I’ll now have in the squad will prove their worth across the season, I’m sure."