Dover Athletic boss Andy Hessenthaler backs departing captain Ryan Hanson to play in the Football League one day as he joins Torquay United for undisclosed fee

Manager Andy Hessenthaler is backing departing Dover captain Ryan Hanson to one day play in the Football League.

Midfielder Hanson has left his hometown club and returned to the National League, joining Torquay for an undisclosed fee.

Hessenthaler still thinks the ex-Hull man, who attended Dover Grammar School for Boys, will have a big future in the game.

“We knew that was on the cards, it was always going to be hard to keep him,” said Hessenthaler.

“We took him on loan from Hull and then signed him permanently, and I made him captain last season. I think it’s a good move for him to Torquay.

“Obviously we wanted to keep him, as well as the likes of Danny Collinge, who is at Barnet, and Koby Arthur, who has gone to Maidenhead. But they are good enough players to play in the league above.

“Obviously we are going to miss him. But I think he will play in the [Football] League one day.

“That could be with Torquay but, even if he doesn’t do it with them, I’m sure he will play in the league at some point.”

The 21-year-old captained Whites last season after defender Sam Wood left earlier this year but he couldn’t stop them from being relegated from the National League.

Hessenthaler, who signed former Manchester United, Gillingham and Ebbsfleet frontman Lee Martin on Monday, added: “Ryan’s a hometown boy, he’s a Dover boy. I just think he deserves it.

“He’s still really young. He’s a fantastic lad and he’s very well grounded with a great family around him.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with him and we will keep in touch which is what you do with players. I will be keeping one eye out for his results and performances.”

Dover have moved quickly to re-sign midfielder Mitch Brundle, with the 28-year-old taking on the role of