Dover chairman Jim Parmenter has vowed to keep the club financially sound as it pursues a third straight promotion.

Whites, who came within 48 hours of closure and were £400,000 in debt during the 2004-5 season, are enjoying a renaissance.

They are second in Blue Square South and favourites to reach the promotion play-offs.

But Parmenter stressed: "We never forget where we came from - and we never will."

He added: "I read websites where fans say why don't we sign this player or that player?

"But by and large our supporters have long memories and remember the bad old days when we suffered three relegations in four years.

"Dover was in such a mess that the club had to be run by the Supporters' Trust. Now, we have no loans and no overdrafts.

"My ambition is for gradual progression and we want to reach the Conference National, this year or next."

The Dover chairman is convinced the club can match the ambition of manager Andy Hessenthaler.

"Andy and I get on really well and I know he enjoys the day-to-day involvement that full-time football brings," he said.

"Hopefully he will be able to realise those ambitions with Dover."

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