PAUL HYDE has thanked the Dover Athletic fans for helping him to have "a fabulous time" at Crabble.

The 43-year-old goalkeeper’s eventful stint with Dover finally came to an end when he signed for Welling United as player/goalkeeping coach.

Hyde said: "I had a great six-and-a-half years at the club and I will always be very grateful to Bill Williams and the Husks for bringing me to Crabble.

"I have got some great memories from our days in the Conference. It’s just a shame that things turned a bit sour over the past six months, but I am delighted to have been given this new chance at Welling."

Hyde was told to stay away from Crabble during the final stages of the season after apparently being involved in a dressing room fall-out with one or two other players. His hopes of arranging a testimonial game have fallen through.

Keep up-to-date with all the news from Crabble every week in the Dover Mercury.