It’s a great achievement for all involved and shows the quality of the players in both teams, says Dover Athletic and Leatherhead manager Mike Sandmann

MIKE SANDMANN will have mixed loyalties on Wednesday afternoon.

His day time job is to run the Academy at Vanarama National League club Dover Athletic, while his part-time job is being the first team manager at Ryman Premier League side Leatherhead.

Ironically, both Dover Athletic and Leatherhead face each other in the Conference Youth Alliance Play-Off Final on Wednesday, the game being played on the artificial playing surface at Sutton United’s Gander Green Lane (14:00 kick-off).

“It’s been a fantastic year for the Dover Athletic Academy lads who have worked extremely hard throughout the season and hopefully they can top it off by being crowned the overall winners from all the Academies in the country,” said Sandmann.

“It’s going to be a very tough game and one I am looking forward to as both the Academy manager of Dover Athletic and the first team manager of Leatherhead.

“It’s a great achievement for all involved and shows the quality of the players in both teams.”

Alfie and Jack Paxman have both been invited into Chris Kinnear’s first team squad for pre-season training.

“This is what an Academy is all about, to progress players into first team football so they can continue with their development,” said Sandmann.

“Yes, it’s great winning leagues and competitions but this is the most important part of my job as the Academy manager to see these players develop and improve so hopefully they can continue to move up the ladder.

“Speaking to Chris Kinnear, I know he is interested in some more of the players so hopefully they won’t be the only two to be invited into pre-season.

“It’s also great for the Academy to have a player make his debut in the National League and also attract the attention of many professional clubs throughout the season.

“I know Leatherhead are doing the same progressing their Academy players into the first team as I’ve had the pleasure of having them around the quad.

“Both clubs are trying to do things in the right way in terms of development of players so it won’t be a massive coincidence they are both in the final.”

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com