DOVER Athletic striker Jimmy Dryden has decided against having an operation to repair ligament damage to his right knee.

Dryden damaged the joint on a skiing holiday in January and aggravated the injury in the play-off semi-final victory over Metropolitan Police.

An operation, recommended by both the club and the specialists, would have sidelined Dryden for a large chunk of next season, but instead he has opted to have intensive regular physiotherapy, which could allow him to be available for the start of the new campaign.

Dryden’s decision is clearly a gamble, and everyone at Crabble will be hoping that it doesn’t backfire on the popular striker.

Whites’ manager Clive Walker said on the club’s official website: "It was Jimmy’s decision, but now he’s made the decision, it’s important he takes the intensive physio seriously."

The danger that Dryden will break down again means that Walker has made finding another striker his number one priority during the summer.

* FULL STORY IN THE DOVER MERCURY.