It was a tough decision to leave Dover but one I felt I had to make in regard to the long-term future of myself and my family, says Connor Essam

CONNOR ESSAM says he is leaving Dover Athletic because he cannot commit to full-time training.

The club announced that they were to change their training arrangements as soon as Andy Hessenthaler returned to the club as manager after former boss Chris Kinnear trained his players at K Sports’ facility in Aylesford in late afternoons.

This allowed players a chance to play for the club on a part-time basis but defender Essam, 26, said he cannot throw away his career as a financial adviser and has to find a new club so he can play on a part-time basis.

“Absolutely gutted to be leaving Dover Athletic.  Unfortunately, I am unable to commit to the change in the format of training due to work commitments,” the former Gillingham man said on his Twitter account.

“I plan to continue my career off the pitch as a financial adviser and play football at a part-time level.

“It was a tough decision but one I felt I had to make in regard to the long-term future of myself and my family.

“Having been associated with the club for a long time it made my decision even more difficult. 

“I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club for making my time at Dover such a special part of my career.

“I wish everyone at the club the very best for the future and have absolutely no doubt that Hess and the lads will get out of the current situation.”

Dover Athletic remain rooted to the foot of the Vanarama National League table on eight points from 18 games - eight points adrift of safety if you take goal-difference into account - after they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge at Crabble last night.

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