Dover Athletic boss Andy Hessenthaler is stepping up his search for a centre half after missing out on former Gillingham defender Chris Hope.

Hope told Hessenthaler this week that he had decided not to return to Kent because of personal reasons following his release by Rushden & Diamonds, for whom the 36-year-old made 46 league appearances in the Blue Square Premier last season.

Hessenthaler said: "I spoke to Chris on Monday and he said that basically he has decided not to join us due to personal reasons connected with having to move house from Northampton.

"I’m gutted because he would have been ideal for us. He played 50-odd games for Rushden last season, which shows how fit he still is.

"But that’s life and I am having talks with another centre half this week."