DOVER Athletic have decided that, with plans for an expanded Conference next season surrounded by massive uncertainty, they cannot afford to “burn their boats” with the Dr Martens League at this stage.

Dover have been invited, along with all the other clubs from the premier divisions of the Dr Martens, Unibond and Ryman Leagues, to apply to join an extended Conference next season.

Whites have accepted the invitation but have stopped short of tendering their resignation from the Dr Martens League by the deadline of January 1. As a result, they face a £4,000 fine should they leave at the end of the season.

Dover officials were under the impression that they could avoid a fine by tendering a temporary or provisional resignation instead, but the Dr Martens League committee subsequently informed the club that this wasn’t the case.

The Conference have not yet received Football Association approval for their plans, which would involve either the creation of a Conference second division, or two new divisions split into north and south, depending on how many clubs apply.