Ian Hendon unveiled as Dover Athletic manager

Hendon led Barnet to 21 wins from his 74 games in charge

Former Barnet manager Ian Hendon has been named as new Dover Athletic boss on a one-year contract.

The 38-year-old, who was sacked by Barnet last month after a season and a half in charge, succeeds new Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler.

Hendon told BBC Radio Kent: "I came to meet the chairman, I liked him and the feel of the club.

"I've been itching to get back. I'm delighted out of all the applicants for the job he chose me."

The new Dover boss says no one should be surprised he dropped two divisions from League Two to Blue Square Bet South.

He said: "I'm a manager and I want to manage, it doesn't matter whether it's the Championship or the Ryman Premier. It's great to be here at Dover, everything's positive about the place."

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter said: "Ian is a real 100% type of manager and we're delighted to have him at the club."

As a player, Hendon won the Conference with the Bees and had spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient and Sheffield Wednesday among others. He also played for the England under 21 team while at Spurs.

"Ian got Barnet off to a great start last year and I'm sure he'll be a huge success here," added Parmenter.

Whites midfielder Nicky Southall, also 38, will be Hendon's player-assistant.