Wilkins makes swift return to Dover

Craig Wilkins has returned to Dover Athletic - four months after leaving the club, writes Justin Allen and Matthew Clements.

The versatile 32-year-old, who can play up front or in central defence, has signed a contract until the end of the season.

Wilkins made the decision in the summer, following his fourth season with Dover, to return to his hometown club Maidstone United, where he is considered a legend after scoring many goals in their Kent County League days.

However, the move did not work out as planned and Maidstone announced last Wednesday that he would be leaving the club. Whites player-boss Andy Hessenthaler was quick to act by beating competition from other Ryman clubs to bring back the River End hero.

Hessenthaler told www.doverathletic.com:  "It was a no-brainer really to sign Craig. He knows the club and has an affinity with the fans. He'll go straight into the side as one of my centre-halves against Dulwich.

"Obviously, with Craig Cloke out and Liam Quinn suspended, we're desperately short of bodies at the moment and Craig (Wilkins) can fill that gap and do a very good job for us.

"And of course Craig can also play up front so I see him as a key member of our team."

Signed by Whites as a centre forward in 2003, Craig was top-scorer in his first season at the club. However, in the past two seasons under Clive Walker he was increasingly deployed in central defence, where his aerial prowess and experience made him one of Whites' best defenders.

The former Gravesend and Tonbridge stalwarts ability to score from set pieces will also be an asset to Hessenthaler's team. It is a credit to Wilkins that he is considered a hero and loyal servant to all four clubs he has represented in his career.

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: "We're delighted to have Craig back on board. He's always been a reliable stalwart for Dover Athletic. We wish him a successful second spell at the club."

Hessenthaler is close to signing another player on contract next week but the target's identity must remain undisclosed as he is currently playing for another club.

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com