DOVER Athletic goalkeeper Paul Hyde has signed a one-year contract that will keep him at Crabble for an eighth season.

The agreement also involves some coaching duties.

It had seemed like talks had broken down, but the 42-year-old goalkeeper insisted that he always felt that he would be staying at the club, and as part the deal Hyde has been granted a testimonial for his loyal service to the Whites.

He said: "Though I kept reading I had played my last game, I was just waiting a call from Clive to confirm the deal and I am delighted that I will be playing a part in what I am certain will be a successful team next season.

"We have a young side but I have that little bit of experience to help out on and off the pitch."

One of Hyde’s tasks will be to groom his replacement for the day that he hangs up his gloves.

"You always have to be pro-active on the lookout for players," he said. "We will be looking for a good young goalkeeper to keep me on my toes and groom as my successor, but I am not finished yet.

"I felt that since Clive returned to the side I performed well and I am confident I will start the season as the number one goalkeeper. I have already starting working on my fitness and aim to make sure that I am prepared and raring to go by August."

Meanwhile, Whites have nearly completed their line-up of pre-season friendlies in preparation for next season.

Games against Colchester United and Charlton Athletic at home, and reigning Ryman Division One champions AFC Wimbledon away have been added to the line-up.

Clive Walker’s squad will also face Calais Racing Union at home in the Hoverspeed Trophy, Conference National side Crawley Town at home, Hinckley United at home, and local rivals Folkestone Invicta away in the Malcolm Welsh Memorial Shield, which will also be James Dryden’s testamonial.

Match dates:

Saturday, July 16: Calais Racing Union (home, 3pm); Thursday, July 21 Colchester United (home, 7:30pm); Tuesday, July 26: Crawley Town (home, 7:45pm); Saturday, July 30: Hinckley Utd (home, 3pm); Tuesday, August 2: Charlton Athletic (home, 7:30); Tuesday, August 9: Folkestone Invicta (away, 7:30pm); Saturday, August 13: AFC Wimbledon (away, 3pm).