Dover Athletic manager Jake Leberl explains decision to sign striker Sonny Fish as injury-hit Whites start new National League South season at Billericay Town

Manager Jake Leberl has explained why Dover have signed striker Sonny Fish.

Fish, who turns 23 in January, has joined Whites from National League South rivals Torquay. He’s also had loan stints with Welling United and Tonbridge Angels.

Both Fish and boss Leberl had other options but are hoping to find one another the perfect fit as Dover look to replace last campaign’s 15-goal top scorer George Nikaj, who has signed for Dorking Wanderers over the close season.

Supporters will need to be patient before they see the best of Fish but Leberl hopes his long-term thinking reaps rewards.

“He has got the pedigree,” said Leberl. “He was really highly thought of.

“He’s had a couple of extremely torrid seasons so it’s a bit of a gamble - but we are happy to take it on him.

“It’s a little bit like Euan Williams. He has the ability to play at higher levels.

"Sonny had other options but he identified us fairly early on as the right fit for him. Unfortunately, he’s not up to speed yet.

“We had options to take almost journeymen types of forwards but we have decided to get someone in a bit younger.

“Hopefully, it works out for all of us.”

Fish was named on the substitutes’ bench and came through the final 30 minutes as Dover ended pre-season with a 1-1 home draw against Isthmian Premier Carshalton last weekend. Defender Trent Rendall equalised through what appeared an over-hit cross that landed in the net.

“It wasn’t ideal with the amount of bodies we had available,” said Leberl, who was without John Oyeunga, Harry Beadle, Euan Williams, Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite and Ruben Soares-Junior.

“We have not heard the outcome with Mo Jallow but he came off just before half-time. It has been really disappointing.

“I feel we’re a little bit light