DOVER Athletic have revealed that defender Daniel Braithwaite is unlikley to return to the club for pre-season training.

Chairman Jim Parmenter said that a difference of medical opinion over the 24-year-old left-back's injured knee had led to a probable departure.

Mr Parmenter said: "Our medical advisers have looked at the results of the scan on his knee and they don’t think he needs an operation.

"But Daniel’s people think differently and, as he is no longer under contract, it looks as though we are going to have a parting of the ways."

Awarding a new contract to a player who then may decide to have an operation deemed unnecessary by the club was clearly an unpalatable prospect for Whites board, especially as they already have concerns about Jimmy Dryden’s ongoing knee problem.

Meanwhile, Chris Chase will join the squad for pre-season training even though he turned down the offer of a contract at the end of last season.

Mr Parmenter added: "Chris has still got designs on getting fixed up with a league club, but we are happy for him to come training with us."

For the full story see the Dover Mercury.