Everyone here is desperate to go up and we will be trying hard to achieve that, says Chris Kinnear

CHRIS KINNEAR will take charge of his first game back at Crabble on Saturday against Truro City, aiming to kick-start the club’s season.



The returning boss is urging supporters to get behind the team with a fresh impetus and help the club push on to achieve its potential: "We want to go places, everything is ready for Dover to do well. Everyone here is desperate to go up and we will be trying hard to achieve that,” the former Margate boss told www.doverathletic.com.

"I remember over 4000 fans coming to the home game against Bromsgrove all those years ago. The supporters are so important and we want to make them proud."

Though Saturday's game see’s fourth-placed Dover Athletic, with 40 points from 25 games, fifteen points behind long-term leaders Salisbury City, welcome bottom of the table Truro City and it appears to be an good game to start with on paper, Kinnear is under no illusion as to how difficult the task of securing three points will be:

He said: "They have nothing to lose and will be fresh as they are coming down on Friday. Teams at the bottom tend to be the hardest ones to beat.

"We will be having a go on Saturday and trying to create lots of chances. The players will give 100%."

Even though Whites' manager has only had just over a week with his new squad of players, he has been pleased with their attitude:

He said: "I have learnt a lot over the four or five sessions. They have taken on board the patterns of plays we want to use and are open to change.

"The players all want to play here as they realise it's a really good place to be and there are not many better clubs around. They are all good players and individuals such as Daryl McMahon have clearly got lots of ability.

"However, the team is like a jigsaw - all 11 players and the substitutes need to fit and compliment each other."

With only two training sessions a week, Kinnear stressed the importance of fitness.

He said: "The lads have been asked to take on extra training in their own time. Though it is not something they have to do, if they want to be successful, then I'm sure they will do it."

He has also been quick to recognise the need to change the training sessions, moving to a training base at Gravesend.

Kinnear said: "The lads have a long way to travel and also have to get up early for work, so it is important they finish training earlier to get proper rest. It doesn't mean to say training is any easier though!"

When asked if any of the current squad would be making way to make room for new signings, Kinnear was clearly not going to make any hasty decisions: "It would be too early to say but I'm not one for a bigger squad as it is not fair for players to be sat in the stands. Plus, it's harder to keep them fit.

"I'm sure those not playing though will want to work extra hard to try and get into the team."

Meanwhile, under 11’s gain free entry at Crabble this season.

Article courtesy of www.doverathhletic.com  

Dover Athletic  v  Truro City
Blue Square Bet South
Saturday 2^nd February 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB