AS DOVER Athletic began processing applications for the vacant first team coach’s job, the club were facing a two-pronged financial threat.

The deadline for applications for the managerial position passed on Monday, with the club and supporters holding their breath over the £23,000 being demanded by some CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) creditors. And falling gates are now posing a second threat to Whites’ long-term survival prospects.

A barrister’s verdict is expected next week on whether Whites need to make an immediate payment of £23,000 under the CVA’s Modification Five.

The club revealed on their official website that they still need another £20,000 to keep the club in business in the short term. Despite a welcome windfall from their FA Cup tie with AFC Wimbledon, available funds are still well short of the figure that the CVA administrator could demand in a few days’ time.

In the wake of Saturday’s home gate of 511, Dover Athletic financial director Steve Cattermole spelt out the realities of the club’s position.

He said: “We need a bare minimum of 650 and really we need last year’s attendances. I thought a spirit had come back to the club, although I have every sympathy with people who don’t want to watch a losing side and Saturday was the worst match I have seen for some time. But by being unable to attract the sort of gates we need, we are making the [financial] hole bigger.”

Meanwhile club chairman Mick Kemp said the club had received "some pretty good replies" to their advertisement for a first team coach, including an application from former England striker Luther Blissett.

He said: "Luther has applied and it's certainly a high-profile name. We have six applicants who are worth considering while another six have not made our shortlist."

Mr Kemp also confirmed former manager Neville Southall, who some fans had wanted to see return to the club, had not lodged an application by Monday’s deadline.

Whites’ goalkeeper Paul Hyde has applied, while Ramsgate manager Jimmy Ward and Sittingbourne assistant boss Steve Nolan are other names who have been mentioned on the rumour mill.