THE Football Association have confirmed that Dover will continue to ply their trade in the Ryman League next season, with their battle to move up the non-league pyramid starting in Ryman Division 1.

There had been thoughts that Whites may revert to the Southern League after a further restructuring exercise by the FA was mooted, but this has now been shelved. Athletic will now join fellow Kent clubs Tonbridge Angels, Ramsgate, Ashford Town and Cray Wanderers in a 23-team strong league.

Sittingbourne have lodged an appeal to the FA after being kept in the Southern League when they feel that, for both financial and geographical reasons, a switch to the Ryman League structure would be the most appropriate action.

Whites boss Clive Walker, who continues to be busy scouring through the retained list, admits that he was not too worried what league Dover were put in as they just have one main aim for next season.

He said: "We have to get out of whatever league we find ourselves in so that we can push ourselves up the pyramid.

"Whoever is thrown in front of us we have to beat them and, though I think there is some bonuses being in this division, particularly the travelling, it would not have worried me going into the Southern league as I know that from my time with Chatham.

"We will be organised and prepared and Steve Nolan and I are confident with the additions that we will be making to the squad that we will be at the right end of the table."

The search for those additions continues apace with the club hoping to hear from one player this weekend – though a Conference club are also thought to be interested – as Walker looks to add to the attacking element of the side with a striker, central midfielder plus a wide player on his 'wish list' along with a another goalkeeper to add competition for Paul Hyde, who signed a new one-year deal last week.

One player though, who is unlikely to be coming back to the Crabble is popular midfielder Lee Spiller, whose future with Conference South Welling is unsure as boss Adrian Pennock looks to trim the squad. Spiller has been linked with a return to Dover but, according to the player himself, the leap down two divisions would be too much.

He stated: "I would love one day to play for Clive again as I have the ultimate respect for the man, but if I leave Welling I would not want to drop down to that level as I feel I can do a job at least in Conference South.

"There is interest in me from other clubs in that division, though at present I am keeping my options open as I have a year left on my current deal. But I would never say never to a return to Dover one day as they are a fine club and I have some good memories from my time there."