Dover Athletic boss and former Dagenham & Redbridge player Jake Leberl looks ahead to Victoria Road return for National League South fixture

Dover manager Jake Leberl is disappointed to see Dagenham & Redbridge’s struggles in recent years ahead of tonight’s trip to his old stomping ground.

The teams will meet at Victoria Road in National League South, with both looking to kick-start a good run.

Managed by Lee Bradbury, the Daggers find themselves at Step 2 this season, having played in League 1 as recently as 2011.

They set out for promotion this season - and even signed former England and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll in a real statement of intent last summer - but find themselves a point behind Leberl’s 14th-placed Whites in 15th after three consecutive losses in all competitions.

Former utility man Leberl turned out for Dagenham, as well as Dover, in his playing days and even helped them win the National League title in 2007.

“I absolutely loved it there,” said Leberl, whose Dover team drew 2-2 with the 10-man Daggers at Crabble in September. “It’s a great club.

“Obviously, times have changed with their change in ownership and all that - they’re going through a bit of a difficult spell - which is sad to see.

“I remember them in their heyday, climbing up into the Football League. As I say, I had absolutely brilliant times there.

“I have full respect for everyone at the club and I’m really looking forward to going back.”

The midweek match begins a run of three away league fixtures in a row for Whites, who ended their own five-game losing run with a 1-0 home success against Bath City through defender Jalen Jones’ early goal last weekend.

“I don’t like to say it - and I’m not sure what the reasoning is - but since I’ve been here (as manager), our away form has always been a lot better than our home form,” admitted Leberl.

“I would love to know the reasoning