Mike Sandmann reckons a busy weekend for Dover was a step in the right direction towards bringing the feel-good factor back to the club.

Whites continued their pre-season preparations, marking their first home friendly with a 5-1 win against Ramsgate last Saturday through goals from Luke Baptiste (2), George Nikaj, Archie Hatcher and the newly-signed Eniye Amgbaduba.

The next day, popular Athletic faces returned as boss Jake Leberl’s “legends and staff” side took on Warren Dyer’s “supporters squad” at Crabble - the former 11-1 victors - before many stayed to watch England’s Euro 2024 final 2-1 defeat to Spain.

“It was a really positive weekend,” said coach Sandmann, part of Leberl’s backroom staff, who returned to old club Margate to oversee a 2-1 victory as a trialist and Jeremiah Gyebi netted last Tuesday.

“We had another pre-season game on Saturday. It was our first one at home.

“Some of the supporters got to have a look at some of the new boys for the first time. Then, Sunday was a really nice event.

“After the match, we watched the England game. It’s a little bit disappointing that the result didn’t top it off for us.

“But we want to get that feel-good factor back at the club and Sunday was a positive step in the right direction.”

Clive Walker, who had three spells in charge of Dover, joined Leberl in the dugout for Sunday’s game.

Sandmann said: “Having Clive there was amazing.

“I’ve known Clive since I was a little boy. He’s such an iconic figure, not just at Dover, but in non-league football in general.

"He’s a total football person - as is his wife, Wendy.

“The supporters were really good. It was good fun, played in the right spirit and it was nice to see so many people supporting it.

"We’re very aware that recent years have been difficult for the supporters. But that was that and this is now.

“It’s about rebuilding relationships and Sunday was a step in the right direction with that.

“Ultimately, the feel-good factor will come if we win games at the start of the season. That’s our job.

“But there’s so much going on around the club away from a Saturday afternoon, as well.

“It’s just been about the result on a Saturday afternoon for too many years and, unfortunately, in the last few years, they have often been negative.

“We know there’s going to be bumps in the road this season, that’s part and parcel of football.

“But we will have a team that’s hard-working and wants to do well for the football club.”

Sandmann himself scored a penalty for Leberl’s “legends”, with legendary Dover striker Ricky Miller also involved, as well as James Rogers and Tom Wynter.

He explained: “I did try to give the ball to Jake’s boy (Jude) - but he didn’t want to take it!

“At that point, I could still feel my calves. But shortly after that, my calves were completely gone! It was nice to get out there.

“Having people like Ricky Miller, Rogo and Wynts there, that was really good.

“Ricky drove two-and-a-half hours to be a part of it. It shows how much it means to people like him.

"We thank Ricky massively.”

Former Fisher forward Amgbaduba is far from the only addition to Isthmian Premier team Whites’ frontline options.

They have also brought in Lindell Stewart and Jayden Silcott-Brown, as well as former Tonbridge and Folkestone attacker Ruben Soares-Junior.

Sandmann said: “I knew Ruben from watching him play previously. Obviously, he was with Jay (Saunders) at Tonbridge and Jay spoke highly of him as a character.

“He will bring pace, power and a goal threat. It’s then up to us to get consistent performances from him.

“Some of the lads we have signed already look to be a handful but they are really nice guys, as well.

“The dressing room - already - has a really good feel to it, which is pleasing.

“It’s still only pre-season but it’s exciting to have them in the building.”

Dover will welcome Welling on Saturday and are at home to fellow National League South side Tonbridge seven days later.

Sandmann, who drew 2-2 at Whitstable on Tuesday night, said: “We have got Welling and Tonbridge to come.

"They’re going to be difficult tests but even Whitstable is a different test.

“It’s about us. It’s nice to win in pre-season but it’s most important to win the first game of the season.”

Defender Harrison Pont and a trialist struck for Whites at Whitstable.

Dover will find out their Isthmian Premier fixtures for the new season tomorrow evening at 6pm.

Deal Town’s perfect pre-season record remains intact.

They beat Kennington 3-1 through second-half goals from Alex Green, Rory Sutcliffe and Morgan Page last Tuesday before a 4-2 win over Bearsted on Friday night.

Ben Chapman, Rory Smith, Wes Hennessey and Ashley Miller were the Hoops’ scorers.

Steve King’s side, 4-1 winners against a Gillingham XI on Tuesday night, visit Corinthian on Saturday and then Folkestone next Tuesday.