Goalkeeper Mitch Walker agrees to rejoin Dover Athletic after initial seven-season club stay following his summer departure from Whitehawk

A popular keeper is “back home” after he agreed to rejoin Dover.

Mitch Walker, 32, has reunited with Whites boss Jake Leberl as he returns to the Crabble club for their 2024/25 Isthmian Premier campaign.

Former England C international Walker, who signed for Whites from Brighton in 2012, made 279 appearances throughout his initial seven-season stay at Dover.

He made his last Whites appearance in a 3-0 win over Sutton in April 2019 but now is back for more after leaving new divisional rivals Whitehawk this summer.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing what this season has in store for us,” Walker told the club website on Saturday.

“It’s exciting what’s going on here and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be back home. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

“Get behind me, get behind the team and get behind the club and we can push forward this season. I think it’s going to be an exciting one!”

Leberl, who previously worked with Walker as then-manager Chris Kinnear’s No.2, said: “Mitch was a pleasure to work with for all those years.

“His professionalism, work-rate and attitude has always been first class - on and off the pitch.

“We are all delighted he’s agreed to come back.”

Others who have agreed to stay with Whites are midfielder Henry Young, defender Matty Holness and forward George Nikaj, while an option has been taken up on the contract of fellow young attacker Archie Hatcher.