Dover Athletic manager Martin Hayes has made contact with a striker but with Adam Birchall set to stay at Crabble he is under no pressure to act quickly.

Birchall (pictured) won the Blue Square Bet South’s player- of-the-season award last week after his 45-goal campaign but, surprisingly, Whites have not received a single bid for the former Barnet striker.

Hayes added: "He’s probably got to score another 40 goals next season for people to realise what they’ve missed out on.

"If one comes in, then obviously we can then talk to Adam and say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He’s a great player and I’m happy he’s ours."

The fact Birchall is still at Crabble may help to explain why Blue Square Bet bookmakers have made Dover 11/2 favourites to win Blue Square South next season.

Chelmsford City and Eastbourne Borough are joint second favourites on 7-1, with Woking and Salisbury City at 8-1.

Hayes, however, admitted: "I find that a little bit surprising considering we only finished seventh last season and it’s a bit harsh on Dover fans who might be planning to have a punt on us."