DOVER ATHLETIC begin their pre-season campaign at home to Eastbourne on Monday night (7.45) with assistant manager Paul Hyde insisting that the players are all “raring to go”.

Hyde said: “The lads have done some hard and rigorous training but they are a young squad and they are all pretty fit anyway. The atmosphere in training has been excellent and there is a real sense of togetherness among the players.

“And the fact is, we have only really got two or three new faces because people like Danny Chapman, Roy Godden and Nicky Dent have all been here before.”

Whites, who are home to Gillingham in another friendly next Wednesday (7.45), have had their prospects boosted by two more signings.

Tony Browne, one of Dover’s most consistent performers towards the end of last season has signed a two-year contract along with Kristian James, who was one of the players Neville Southall brought to the club during his brief spell in charge.

This will be Browne’s fourth season with Dover and the former West Ham and Brighton full back said: “I am thrilled to have signed for DAFC and to be working with Clive once again."