Chris Kinnear believes Dover are in better shape now than at any point during his long association with the club.

Kinnear took charge of Whites in a league game for the 600th time on Saturday as they drew 1-1 at former Football League club Leyton Orient.

He’s almost done five years in his second spell at the club where he first served for a decade between 1985 and 1995.

Dover were in Conference South when Kinnear returned to Crabble from Margate but he led them to promotion and now wants another after three solid seasons in the
non-league’s top flight.

Asked if he thought Dover was in the best shape he’d ever seen, Kinnear said: “Behind the scenes, I think it is.

“The club, in itself, is very healthy, with no debts and the chairman and board of directors are investing, so they’ve got a chance. The main thing is to get in the play-offs at least or even try to win the league.

"We’ve been used to winning games. We’ve probably been the most consistent side in the Conference over the last four years – nowhere lower than eighth – which is quite a major achievement.

“But it doesn’t mean we won’t be trying to improve on what we’ve done before.”

Dover were top ahead of their 1-0 defeat at Dagenham last night (Tuesday) having been there since they beat Woking on October 24.

They’ve done it with a squad constructed almost from scratch in the summer and Kinnear says the new personnel have given him a new lease of life.

"I think it’s helped," he said. "Mark Newson, Jake Leberl, Loui Fazakerley and I have had to do a lot more than we usually do and Kevin Raine’s been out there watching games.

“When we’ve thought about a player, we’ve asked him because he’s seen most players in this league, so it’s been a real team effort."

A Morgan Ferrier goal was enough to sink Whites at Dagenham and Wrexham took full advantage, beating Solihull Moors 1-0 to claim top spot.

Kinnear said: "We didn't start very well but we've said all along there's going to be hiccups along the way. We've been top of the league longer than probably anyone else this season.

"Their keeper pulled off a great save in the second half but it wasn't our best performance.

"It was a poor goal to give away on our side but we've just got to dust ourselves down.

"I can't say anything bad about the players. They're a very young side and they've done great. They've lost a game - no big deal."

Dover host AFC Fylde on Saturday.