Dover have rewarded teenager Marshall Wratten with his first professional contract at the club.

The 18-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Crabble having led the academy side in assists last season.

Wratten featured off the bench in November's FA Cup first round tie with Bury as well as enjoying loan spells with Margate and Hollands and Blair.

Discussing the winger, Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler said: "He's got pace, he did great for the youth team, they've had a very successful season.

"We've played him in a few friendly games we've had behind closed doors at the ground and he stood out, he's got a bright future.

"He plays out on that left-hand side and we haven't got a lot of left-sided players, he's quick and again he's a lad that will come into our squad, train every day and only get better.

"It's a great opportunity for the lad and we're looking forward to working with him.

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"Credit to the youth section, credit to (academy boss) Mike (Sandmann) and what they've done. He's one that has come through and one we believe can go on and gain a regular first team place in the next year or so.

"The one thing we are is a management team that look through the youth section, there's got to be a pathway for youngsters.

"I'm not sure if there was a pathway over the last few years because maybe the youth section was getting disregarded.

"Young players coming through will definitely get the opportunity with our management team. I'm looking forward to working with Marshall."

Wratten won five trophies during his time with Dover's academy and is now set to feature in pre-season, which gets underway at Bearsted on July 3.

He is faced with an opportunity to vie for a spot on the left-hand side in light of the news that Anthony Jeffrey will be leaving the club.

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