STEVE BROWNE, well versed in running clubs in financial difficulties, has taken on the challenge of managing cash-strapped Dover Athletic.

Browne, who was handed a two-year contract at the Hoverspeed Stadium on Tuesday night, is currently assistant manager at Southern League Premier Division outfit Hemel Hempstead.

Before that he managed Slough Town and Boreham Wood - and at both clubs money problems were never far away.

Now, Browne is taking over at Dover with the Whites waiting anxiously to hear whether they will have find £23,000 in double quick time to satisfy a new condition of their CVA debt repayments.

But the 40-year-old former Charlton apprentice professional insisted: "The difficulties that Dover are in at the moment don't represent a new situation for me as a manager, and they certainly don't faze me.

"Taking on Dover is another big challenge for me but it will be a good one to win, and I am really up for it."

Browne's new first team coach will be Troy Townsend, who will also be offered a two-year contract. He held a similar position under Browne at Slough and Boreham Wood.

Chairman Mick Kemp has confirmed that Gary Whittle, who has been acting as first-team caretaker manager, would revert to his role as reserve team manager.

Whittle was one of 11 others who had applied for the first-team post. One was former England international Luther Blissett whose interest had inevitably provoked most interest among Whites' fans.

Dover are without a game this Saturday because of Harrow Borough's FA Cup involvement. Browne will be at the Hoverspeed Stadium to watch Dover Reserves' rearranged home game against Molesey (3pm).

FULL STORY ON THE NEW MANAGER IN THIS WEEK'S DOVER MERCURY