DOVER Athletic director Steve Cattermole is warning that falling attendances could bring a new threat to the club's finances.

Mr Cattermole says Dover must prove that they can be financially stable to be admitted to the new structure of the top levels of non-league soccer.

He is appealing to supporters to approach friends, work colleagues and local employers who might sponsor or advertise with the club.

Mr Cattermole said: "The level of support is attacking our survival threshold by around £1,000 per match for every 100 below 1,000."

Whites' average home gates in the Dr Martens are 925. However, the four matches since the FA Trophy exit have averaged less than 700.

Mr Cattermole stressed: "This downward trend could inflict untold harm on our finances in the remaining weeks of the season."

The league re-organiation will see the Conference extending to 24 teams with two feeders leagues, north and south, each contributing 24 teams from the existing Unibond, Ryman and Dr Marten leagues.

Mr Cattermole said Dover would have to ensure their finances satisfied the criteria for admission to the new structure.