Some of Dover’s squad could soon be hit with a harsh reality of non-league football, manager Mitch Brundle has warned.

National League South Whites have more or less built a completely new-look side this season - and added to it again last week.

Striker Dontai Stewart signed in time to start both of their Bank Holiday weekend defeats to early frontrunners Worthing and Kent rivals Dartford.

More than 20 players have now signed senior terms, but Brundle, who brought in defender David Boateng on loan from Premier League Crystal Palace last season, again intends to dip into the loan market. That could spell the end of some players’ time at Crabble.

Asked if he had any non-contract players who he could release, the boss replied: “Yeah, loads.

“It’s the harsh reality of football. It’s horrible to do but I’ve chosen to do it because you never know what will become available.

“Certain top Premier League clubs don’t let players go until a certain time or a certain date when their window shuts.

“We’ll be looking at that market.”

Midfielder Olu Durojaiye has become the first to move on, with his departure announced on Tuesday.

“Just want to say thank you to the staff and everyone at Dover Athletic,” he wrote on social media. “I wish you nothing but the best going forward.

“But my time has, sadly, come to an end.”

Brundle has already been looking at players he could potentially sign on loan alongside scout Errol Johnson.

“We were at games last week throughout the week,” revealed Brundle, whose team are back at home to Chippenham this Saturday.

“There are some players available.

“Obviously, I have to free up the money to get them. With every loan, you have to pay some money and, at the minute, we’re not at that stage.

“But we will be soon.”

Whites lost 2-0 at home to Worthing last Saturday and although Peter Ojemen, Josh Anifowose and Fuad Sesay were handed starts at Princes Park - as striker George Nikaj also returned from injury - the 20th-placed outfit again conceded inside the first half-hour.

Darts then added a second from a corner during another 2-0 defeat in front of a crowd of 1,203 - with defending set-pieces another major concern for Brundle in the early stages of the campaign as his side, who escaped the drop last season on goal difference, swiftly slipped back towards the relegation zone.

It’s been a tough start for former Tooting & Mitcham and Hertford Town player Stewart.

His new manager urged supporters to be patient with him, saying: “He’s got that real hunger in him.

“Hunger will only get you so far until you need to start scoring some goals. Not yet, obviously, but it’s another dimension I wanted to bring.

“Hopefully, we can start seeing the best of him soon and start moving forward.”

Chippenham claimed four points from their Bank Holiday weekend double-header.

They drew 0-0 at Braintree last Saturday, beat Slough 2-1 at home two days later and are only outside of the play-offs at this early stage on goal difference.

Whites visit St Albans on Tuesday.

Dover are on the hunt for a volunteer PA announcer. A free meal on matchdays will be provided for the candidate.

Interested parties can email the club at jointheteam@doverathletic.com or call 01304 822373 for further details.