Manager Andy Hessenthaler is backing departing Dover captain Ryan Hanson to one day play in the Football League.

Midfielder Hanson has left his hometown club and returned to the National League, joining Torquay for an undisclosed fee.

Hessenthaler still thinks the ex-Hull man, who attended Dover Grammar School for Boys, will have a big future in the game.

“We knew that was on the cards, it was always going to be hard to keep him,” said Hessenthaler.

“We took him on loan from Hull and then signed him permanently, and I made him captain last season. I think it’s a good move for him to Torquay.

“Obviously we wanted to keep him, as well as the likes of Danny Collinge, who is at Barnet, and Koby Arthur, who has gone to Maidenhead. But they are good enough players to play in the league above.

“Obviously we are going to miss him. But I think he will play in the [Football] League one day.

“That could be with Torquay but, even if he doesn’t do it with them, I’m sure he will play in the league at some point.”

The 21-year-old captained Whites last season after defender Sam Wood left earlier this year but he couldn’t stop them from being relegated from the National League.

Hessenthaler, who signed former Manchester United, Gillingham and Ebbsfleet frontman Lee Martin on Monday, added: “Ryan’s a hometown boy, he’s a Dover boy. I just think he deserves it.

“He’s still really young. He’s a fantastic lad and he’s very well grounded with a great family around him.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with him and we will keep in touch which is what you do with players. I will be keeping one eye out for his results and performances.”

Dover have moved quickly to re-sign midfielder Mitch Brundle, with the 27-year-old taking on the role of player-assistant manager after the departures of player-coach Reda Johnson and coach Nicky Southall this summer.

Brundle agreed to return to Crabble, three years after leaving to join Dagenham.

Hessenthaler stated: “When I first came back to Dover, Mitch was, obviously, at the club then. He was a big part in us staying in the division that season.

“He left because of the situation at the club and where the finances were. But he lives around the corner from the training ground.

“He wanted to come back and play for the club and play for me, which is always nice, and he wants to get onto the ladder with his coaching. It helps me with the budget, to be fair.

"He’s the right fit, to be honest. It just works.

“We are pleased we have got him and I’m sure the fans are as well. He’s a little bit of a legend already.

"He has played a lot of games and knows a lot of people.

“Obviously he will be part of the team and also part of the coaching side of it. On his first day on Monday, I was very impressed with that side.

“He’s looking to do well on the coaching side of things and that’s good for me, him and the football club.”

Full-back Myles Judd continues to train with the club and Dover’s boss wants to strike a deal with him this week ahead of their opening pre-season friendly this Saturday at home to Gillingham (1pm kick-off).

“We are just checking his injury. He has been all right since we have been back so I’m hoping to get something done with Myles before Saturday’s game,” Hessenthaler said.

“I’ll be honest, I want to try and bring him in. He knows this level and the level above.

“We just need to check his fitness levels and then, hopefully, we can get something sorted out.”

But ex-Gillingham midfielder TJ Bramble has not yet returned to training.

“TJ is not back in yet,” Hessenthaler revealed.

“I know he is still having problems with his back. I will speak to his agent and see where he’s up to with that.”

On the friendly against his former club, Gillingham favourite Hessenthaler added: “Thursday, we will be looking at that first pre-season friendly and [looking] to get a bit of structure to us.

“We don’t read too much into pre-season, I just want to start planning and getting ready for August 6.”

Ex-Dover keeper Alexis Andre Jr has joined Maidenhead while Khale Da Costa has penned a deal with Chelmsford.