Sargent opts to stay put with Tanners

Terry White, the caretaker-manager of Dover Athletic, has been unsuccessful in his bid to sign Leatherhead midifielder Steve Sargent, writes Justin Allen.

Sargent held talks with the Whites caretaker boss this week but opted to stay put.

White told www.doverathletic.com  : "Steve has been helped by their manager to set up a business and owed him some loyalty.

"Obviously, because I am caretaker manager, some players are a little bit uncertain about the situation here. I can understand that.

"Sean Ray has also said something similar but he's thinking it over. I am hoping he will come but because we sign players on contract at Crabble some of these lads need assurances about their long-term futures.

"Sean has said he'd love to come because Dover is a big club. But he needs to be sure that he is making the right decision in the long term.

"I didn't get to watch Hailsham striker Daniel Leach, because their game was called off on Wednesday so will be getting someone to watch him next week."

Whites were not able to train on Tuesday after the Chatham game was called off due to the Crabble pitch being too boggy.

The team will be training at a gym in Folkestone tonight (Thursday).

Terry said: "The weather is making it impossible for us to train at Crabble. The chairman is looking into all-weather pitches so we can train elsewhere during this time of year."

Meanwhile, Terry believes the next six games could shape Whites' season.

He said: "The next six are all winable games - but they are also loseable too. They are all tough ones.

"Whyteleafe won't come here and roll over. Then we have Leatherhead, who are tough nuts to crack - and Ashford are in good form at the moment, nearly beating Dartford at the weekend.

"Also we have Maidstone coming up. They are on the charge and that's going to be a big game for us too.

"If we lose a game we won't panic - and if we win a game we won't think we've achieved anything.

"I believe if we get through these next six games with a decent amount of points, we can go on and win this league."

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

Dover Athletic v Whyteleafe
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 27^th January 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover