Dover Athletic boss Jake Leberl on comparisons between this season’s squad and 2023/24 National League South relegated team as Whites aim to end winless run

Dover manager Jake Leberl insists he cannot see similarities between their 2023/24 National League South relegation season and this campaign - despite the club's recent miserable form.

Whites have gone 10 games without a win in all competitions ahead of tonight’s league match at Horsham.

Leberl made his Crabble comeback in 2023, taking charge alongside No.2 and Academy boss Mike Sandmann that December.

The pair were unable to save Dover from relegation but did help Whites make a Step 2 return at the first attempt, winning promotion through the play-offs last term.

They enjoyed a fine start to this season and, although their form has badly dipped since, they still find themselves in the middle echelons of the table in 13th - albeit having played the most league fixtures.

“We were in this league a couple of years ago,” said Leberl.

“We definitely don’t have the feel of that season where we were going into games beaten. But it’s difficult when you are on a bit of a downward spiral.

“Obviously, confidence does go. We need to pick the boys up. We need to stick together and to keep working.

“We know we’re a good side and we know we have got good players but, ultimately, we need to pick up points.”

Dover have maintained their part-time model this campaign in a league that’s becoming increasingly professional.

But Leberl said: “We knew what we were going into.

“It’s easy to get down, it’s easy to get disappointed, and people are questioning lots of things. But we need to be a little bit realistic.

“We’re not on a great run but we’re not on a disastrous run. We’re holding our own against full-time sides in this league with huge resources. If you take Tuesday night’s game (a 1-0 home defeat against Chelmsford), I don’t think