Former Margate, Ashford United and Welling United man Paul Barnes joins Dover Athletic’s backroom team

An experienced former Margate, Ashford United and Welling United coach has joined Dover boss Jake Leberl’s management team.

Paul Barnes, also formerly at the helm of Dulwich, Corinthian-Casuals and Hastings, arrives ahead of Whites’ new Isthmian Premier term.

“It will be nice to help Jake and Mike (Sandmann), and try to bring the experience I’ve got to the table,” he told the club website.

“I’ve got different networks around the game, as well.”

Barnes had worked for Chelsea and Millwall, before moving into coaching roles in non-league football.

On what he will bring to Dover’s backroom team, he said: “Obviously, experience.

“I’ve been managing, assisting and coaching around various levels of the game for a long time now - I’ve been involved in the game for about 20 years. I’m looking to support the guys.

“I’m taking a bit more of a background position where I can help support across the board, so I’m looking forward to it.”

And Barnes is hopeful he can help Leberl and Mike Sandmann make Dover competitive again at Step 3, as they aim to bounce back after two relegations in three years.

“What was attractive about coming to work with the guys here is giving young guys a chance,” he explained. “So, obviously, there’s more onus on the coaching side of things.

“Hopefully, we can get some stability in the club, make it an attractive place to come and attract players who want to take the club back to where it should be.”

Dover have also made two signings.

Harrison Pont - a product of Whites’ Academy - rejoins after a season at Isthmian South East Herne Bay, alongside fellow defender Jeremiah Gyebi, who has played abroad in Sweden and Slovenia.

Grenada international defender Roman Charles-Cook has agreed to remain at Crabble, too.

Whites visit Sevenoaks (1pm) for their first pre-season friendly this Saturday.