Martin Hayes admits the opening day trip to Woking in Blue Square Bet South represents a difficult start for his new Dover charges.

The 44-year-old former Arsenal favourite enjoyed his time as a player at Crabble in the mid-90s under Peter Taylor, but is looking to make his mark as boss, after replacing Ian Hendon, following his rapid defection to Gillingham.
New striker Ben Hunt is ruled out with a thigh strain, but former Bromley defender Rob Gilman is fit after recovering from a knock against Margate.

Hayes (pictured) knows the league well after his spell at Bishop’s Stortford, before leaving in 2008 and said: "There will be 10 or 11 clubs, all with their eye on the top five.

"Our first target is to be one of those, which will be tough but achievable."

He added: "I am happy with the squad, we have got the right balance and shape, pace going forward, and solid at the back.

"The next 42 games will tell whether it’s good enough. The games come very quickly early on, and we will be looking to get points on the board, and stay among the leading pack.

"Woking are a club with a big reputation, pedigree and history, and lost in the play-off final (against Bath City) which is hard to come back from.

"It’s a very tough game, but I will be going there hoping to come back with something."

Hayes had hoped to sign another player this week, but there have been no developments on that front.