A LOCAL businessman trying to put together a rescue package to save Dover Athletic Football Club says he is "making progress".

Mick Kemp has revealed that the club's debts are "far in excess" of the £120,000 indicated by the club's former board before recent resignation.

Mr Kemp, a 55-year-old former Dover player, has been involved in a series of meetings with the club's creditors and major shareholders trying to persuade them to accept his consortium's rescue package, which has the backing of the Dover Athletic Supporters' Trust.

Mr Kemp met the major shareholders, John and Alan Husk, lon Thursday, and said afterwards: "We had a very good meeting with the major shareholders and we are making progress, but there are several issues which still need to be resolved, and I am hoping to be in a position to make a statement shortly".

Meanwhile, Dover manager Clive Walker says he is convinced he can turn the club's fortunes around if given the opportunity.

He said: "We already have the basis of a team that is more than capable of challenging for the Dr Martens League title."