Dover have appointed their new manager on an 18-month contract.

Mitch Brundle, 28, becomes the youngest man at the helm of a club in the country's top six divisions having been in joint-interim charge alongside Mike Sandmann since Andy Hessenthaler left to rejoin League 2 strugglers Gillingham as their head of recruitment.

“I’m over the moon to be given this opportunity,” he said after his appointment. "I love this club and have always given everything, both on and off the pitch.

“The football club means a lot to me and I’m looking forward to putting my own stamp on things.”

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “Mitch has done really well since he took the reins.

“The team's performances in the last three games show that we will have a bright future under his leadership along with Mike Sandmann.”

The midfielder is certainly taking his new role seriously and hasn’t played since Hessenthaler’s departure.

He wasn’t even named in their squad on Saturday as they lost 2-1 at home to title-chasing rivals Ebbsfleet.

Speaking after that game, Brundle said: “It’s exciting. I like being on the touchline.

“I also like playing, don’t get me wrong, but it’s given me a right good buzz.

“Over the three games, we have created so many chances and the boys have adapted into what we are trying to do. I’m loving every minute of it.”

Brundle - who won't turn 29 until the end of the year - last summer rejoined the Crabble outfit after an earlier stint with the club in a playing career which also has seen him turn out for Braintree, Barnet, Dagenham and Gateshead.

He narrowly pips ex-Tottenham interim manager Ryan Mason as the youngest man at the helm of a club in the UK. Mason was 29 when asked to step into the role in 2021.

Whites, 16th in National League South, will host third-placed Havant & Waterlooville this Saturday after Tuesday’s Kent Senior Cup clash at Isthmian South East Chatham.

Brundle’s new 18-month contract also includes an option of an extension.