More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Attacking pair Alfie Pavey and Luke Wanadio could still have futures at Dover.
Top scorer Pavey and winger Wanadio both have been transfer-listed, with frontman Chike Kandi released.
The duo have contributed 15 goals between them this term and, after three signings, it appeared their own stays at Crabble could also be at an end.
But Whites manager Mitch Brundle said: “They’re still contracted to us. They’re still our players.
“Alfie has got a little knock on his ankle.
“Just because they go on the list, that doesn’t mean their time’s up.”
Neither were involved last Saturday in their goalless National League South draw at Hemel, although recently-recruited forward Josh Ajayi, on-loan Ebbsfleet midfielder Jack Paxman and Crystal Palace loanee David Boateng started.
Brundle was impressed with what he saw from his new charges.
He said: “They came in with a real energy and a buzz.
“They are players that are desperate to play and enjoy their football. There’s a lot more pace now in the team, which is good."
A player who has departed after those arrivals, though, is Kandi, who has since joined Farnborough.
“I just felt that we needed a little shake-up,” Brundle explained.
“We have not been performing consistently to a certain level.
“I just felt like it needed some players that are my players.
"Obviously, that means you need to get people out the door. That’s what we are going to have to do.
“All I can do is try to get the team I want to perform together for me on the pitch.
“We wish Kandi all the best. There’s no hard feelings, we managed to get him a club.
“We will keep working.”
Ajayi may be joining Whites from a team two divisions below - but he does arrive with decent pedigree.
Released by Crystal Palace in 2020, he had scored 19 goals for Ramsgate before training with Premier League club Tottenham last January while interest from Football League outfits also surfaced.
It’s clear the 20-year-old has plenty of talent. Now, it’s about using that on a regular basis.
Brundle said: “He knows that himself. He has been excellent since the first day I spoke to him.
“He’s a really nice guy. We just need to get the most out of him.
“He wants to play - the quality is there. We just need him settled in the team and working for the team.
“What’s gone on before is what’s gone on before. I can only judge him on what he does for me.
“I think he will be a vital player for us.”
Another striker soon to be at Brundle’s disposal is youngster George Nikaj when he returns from his latest loan spell at Isthmian South East outfit Ashford, having scored in their 4-1 weekend loss at home to new leaders Chatham.
Brundle said: “George will be coming back.
“He has gone on loan again and worked his socks off. He’s playing well, scoring and I’m looking forward to adding him back into the team.”
Paxman’s signing also leaves plenty of competition for places in Whites’ midfield, ahead of their trip to Slough this Saturday.
“We have got three experienced players in there,” said Brundle.
“We have Lee Martin, Jack Paxman and Higgsy [Jordan Higgs]. We still have Luke Baptiste and Wilko [George Wilkinson] as well.
“They all need to fight to get into the starting 11, which is good.”
At Hemel, the visitors enjoyed the better chances to win it, although goalkeeper Stuart Nelson had to be alert to make a second-half save.
Brundle reflected: “There were plenty of positives.
“The boys performed well. We gave ourselves a chance in the game and hit the underside of the bar. Josh had a couple of chances although, obviously, it was his first game for us.
“It was a hard-working, solid, performance. It just lacked a goal.”
As well as Pavey, young defender Will Moses (knee) is sidelined.
On Moses, set to be out for a couple of weeks, Brundle said: “He’s only young still.
“He doesn’t need to be doing anything he cannot do right now.”
Dover, who are 15th, lost 3-0 to Worthing on Tuesday in the league.
Defender Jake Goodman was sent off when giving away a second-half penalty while Pavey came off the bench.
