Dover chairman Jim Parmenter says the arrival of defender Ian Simpemba will be a key signing in their attempts to make the Blue Square Bet South play-offs this season.

The 28-year-old central defender has joined on an 18-month contract for a "nominal fee" from Ebbsfleet and Mr Parmenter says signing him now emphasises Whites’ ambitions.

He said: "Anyone who has watched Conference football will know that Ian is an outstanding player. He did it at Lewes and Havant and has got quality in terms of leadership and enthusiasm. We have paid money for him now but had we waited until the end of the season we would have got him on a free."

Mr Parmenter added: "I think Woking will be champions but we are one of seven or eight clubs who are chasing the four play-off spots and it makes this weekend’s game at Dorchester very important."

Dover have handed Terry Dixon a contract until the end of next season. The former Tottenham and West Ham youngster is on his way back from a serious knee injury and Mr Parmenter said: "He is still not fully fit but is getting there and we believe he is clearly a talent."

Dixon turned 22 at the weekend, and his extended deal comes after the club agreed a contract extension with former Gillingham full-back Tom Wynter.

Mr Parmenter said more deals were likely as the club plan ahead for the future.