Dover Athletic manager Mitch Brundle supported by ‘massive figure’ in his life in scout Errol Johnson during opening-day National League South 2-2 draw against Torquay United

Boss Mitch Brundle has hailed a new face who joined him in Dover’s dugout as “a massive figure” in his life.

Brundle, presently without an assistant, was supported by south London scout Errol Johnson for their 2-2 comeback home National League South draw against well-fancied Torquay last Saturday.

Johnson’s an Arsenal talent scout and also presently works with the Mad About Football Academy - which has helped support Liverpool defender Joe Gomez among other players who went on to play professionally.

Asked where he was with appointing a new No.2, Brundle, who turned out for Braintree, Dagenham & Redbridge and Gateshead in his playing days, replied: “Nowhere at the minute.

“It’s not a rushed process. Errol Johnson was with me on Saturday.

“I’ve known him since I was 13. He’s been a massive figure in some of the players recruited but, also, he recruits players for the Premier League and stuff like that.

“He has a massive understanding of football. The boys really respect him.

Report: Dover 2-2 Torquay

“I’ve improved tenfold”

“I’ll keep him around me, like I have done my whole life.

“He’s a massive figure in my life and the reason I’m where I am today.

“He has played a vital influential part in me becoming a footballer, me becoming a manager and me becoming a man.

“I like to keep people like him as close to me as I can for as long as I can. He’s more my person that I like to keep with me.

“In terms of being my assistant? No.

“But he’s a very intelligent football man so I do listen to a lot of what he says.”

Brundle also revealed Johnson played a crucial role in half-time discussions as goals from new frontman Zidan Sutherland and Roman Charles-Cook helped them fight back to earn a point.

“He’s a key factor in what