Returning Dover Athletic striker Alfie Pavey hopes to help reunite the club after signing for second permanent spell at Crabble

Returning Dover striker Alfie Pavey is hoping to help reunite the club after signing for a second permanent spell at Crabble.

Pavey has rejoined Andy Hessenthaler’s squad after a productive loan stint in the 2021/22 season.

He scored six goals in 18 matches for a Dover team which finished bottom of the National League before being recalled from his loan by Maidstone late in March.

Pavey is one of three new players Whites have already signed. They have also brought in full-back Alfie Paxman from Folkestone and midfielder Jordan Higgs from Dulwich Hamlet.

“If we can add a few more signings, we really have got the spine of the side,” said Pavey who still works as a coach for Maidstone’s Academy.

“Alfie is still quite young at 24 but had a great season last year.

“Maybe we need another experienced one at the back and a couple more in midfield, and we will be up and running.

“It’s just about competing. We need to win games of football and unite the club together again and, hopefully, we can get in the play-offs.

“We need to make sure we do everything we can, including little things like going into the bar after games to talk to the fans.

“We were excellent at those little things at Maidstone last year.”

Pavey revealed he met Dover manager Hessenthaler prior to going on holiday.

“I met him before I went on holiday. Obviously he said he was interested in me,” said Pavey who recently got engaged while he was away.

“He said they are back training three mornings a week, that suits myself.

“Although I’m 26, I think I come under the senior part of the squad now. I have got enough experience.

“It’s about giving these young kids support.

"They held their own in the division above so I think it’s going to be an exciting year for the