I want to help Dover win the league, says new striker Lovell

Mark Lovell decided to join Dover Athletic after being wooed by boss Andy Hessenthaler and chairman Jim Parmenter, writes Justin Allen.

His friend Jon Wallis opted to sign for Whites, instead of moving to a League Two club this summer, and that told him all he needed to know about Whites.

Lovell told www.doverathletic.com: "When quality players like Jon decide to sign for Dover, instead of a League Two side, it means that the club are going places.

"Andy Hessenthaler is a top-quality manager and was in charge of Gillingham when I was a youngster there. He did a good job, keeping that club in the Championship for three or four years.

"And, of course, his No 2 Darren Hare was running the youth academy at Priestfield when I was there, so those two being at Dover also played a big part in making my mind up to leave Sittingbourne for Crabble."

Mark's dad, former Gills star Steve, is manager at Sittingbourne - and the striker admits it was a wrench to leave him and his team-mates behind.

He said: "My dad is a good coach and I enjoyed playing for him. He has helped my game a lot since I was a kid, and it was nice playing for his club.

"I did seek his advice before deciding to join Dover - and, although as Sittingbourne manager, he didn't want to lose me - as my dad he appreciated that I wanted to improve myself as a player.

"He just told me that he'd support whatever decision I made - and if I felt it was going to benefit my career, then go for it.

"I had some good times at Sittingbourne but there's a new challenge waiting for me at Dover, and I cannot wait for the new season to start.

"Having played against Dover last season, I know they are a strong side and have some good players. You always knew you were in for a good game when coming up against Dover."

Lovell was not surprised that Hessenthaler dropped out of the Football League to manage Dover.

He said: "He sees this as a big challenge - and believes he can take Dover back up the divisions. I was very impressed by his plans - and meeting chairman Jim Parmenter also made a positive impact on me.

"I could tell how determined he is to succeed. He desperately wants to take Dover back up to a level where they honestly should be - and his drive and enthusiasm made a good impression on me.

"The club is well set up and Andy is looking at building a very good squad - and I want to be part of that."

Mark also knows of Frannie Collin, who Whites signed on Thursday following his release from Gillingham.

He said: "Frannie came into the Gills set up just after I left but I've seen him play. He is a different type of player. He drops deep, likes to run at defenders, is quick and scores a lot of goals.

"I'm more of a hold up player, who also scores goals. I've had a frustrating couple of years with knee injuries. I had a good season last year - and Hess said it was big year for me.

"I'm now hoping to wipe the slate clean completely and start a new challenge - and help this club win the title this year. That's what we're all going to concentrate on."

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com