Dover Athletic announce Nicky Southall has left the club

Nicky Southall has left his role at Dover, the club have announced.

The 50-year-old was unable to commit to the club's training schedule this season following the club’s relegation from the National League last season.

Coach Southall, who had previously been player-boss at Whitstable and Maidstone's assistant, joined the Crabble outfit in 2018 as part of manager Andy Hessenthaler’s staff after Chris Kinnear’s departure.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Nicky and we all wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do in the future,” Dover said in a statement on Friday night.

The news comes after player-coach Reda Johnson last month left the club.

But things look brighter on the field for Whites, with experienced goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, returning Tyrone Sterling, defender Jake Goodman, Alfie Paxman and Jordan Higgs and striker Alfie Pavey - alongside a host of young prospects - all having agreed to be a part of the club's new-look squad for their 2022/23 National League South campaign.

In his playing days, Southall became a Gillingham fans' favourite while he also enjoyed stints at Hartlepool, Grimsby, Bolton and Nottingham Forest.