Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter says his promotion-chasing side are even better than last year’s Whites, who came so close to earning a place in Blue Square Bet Premier.

Six games in to the Blue Square Bet South campaign, Dover are undefeated and sitting in third and Mr Parmenter believes the new-look squad is even better than the one which Andy Hessenthaler took to the play-off semi-finals in May.

He said: "We have the same number of points that we did at this stage last year but if anything we have improved on last year.

"We are playing some nice attacking football and if we keep it up, we have a good chance of promotion."

Mr Parmenter (pictured) said the saga of Hessenthaler’s exit to Gillingham, followed soon after by replacement Ian Hendon’s departure to join him at Priestfield, may have benefited the club in the long run.

He said: "Football is a funny game and in a way the events of the summer may have done us a favour. Martin Hayes has done an excellent job.

"He is a confident and laid back character and is professional."

Mr Parmenter was also pleased with the gates at Crabble this season.

He said: "Season ticket sales have been strong and crowds have been encouraging.

"We have been just under 1,000, which for August – which is still holiday season – is positive, especially with two games a week which is hard to afford.

"We have increased gate prices this year, which we probably should have done last season if I’m honest but it is going well and we are on budget."