Local lad Ryan Hanson discusses becoming Dover Athletic’s first summer signing as midfielder makes Crabble loan switch permanent

Ryan Hanson is hoping to help the good times roll at newly-promoted Dover as he became the club’s first summer signing.

Midfielder Hanson will remain for their 2025/26 National League South return after he helped them secure Isthmian Premier promotion through the play-offs while on loan from Tonbridge.

The 24-year-old had been Dover’s captain during their 2021/22 National League season that ended in relegation after just two wins.

Now, local lad Hanson is optimistic of brighter times ahead under manager Jake Leberl.

He said: “It’s a step up this season, going up to the South. I think everyone knows it’s not going to be easy.

“But I think team morale goes a long way in football. If we can keep a core group of lads together from last season that knows how to win, where we had a good dressing room, we’ll stand a good chance.

“The boys like George Nikaj, George Wilkinson, myself and Luke Baptiste, we have been through a lot of tough times with the club. That’s why it’s so nice to kind of repay the fans.

“I’ve always grown up, watching Dover and I have a lot of good memories from that. Speaking to fans, last season was right up there so it was really nice to turn things around a little bit.

“We just want to build on that a little bit.”

Hanson had also been in talks with Tonbridge and new boss Craig Nelson but turned down the chance to extend his stay at Longmead for another Dover return.

“I know the club really well, having been at the club for just over a year,” he explained. “With the new manager coming in, I’d had conversations with him and they were keen to keep hold of me for this season.

“But with a new manager coming in, you just don’t know where you stand, what players are coming in and the playing style and things