Dover surprised by lack of bids for Adam Birchall

Birchall scored 11 FA Cup goals in 2010/11

Dover boss Martin Hayes says that he is surprised that nobody has bid for top goalscorer Adam Birchall.

The ex-Arsenal trainee, 26, scored 45 goals in 2010/11 and had been linked with a move away despite having two years left on his deal.

Birchall has played for Wycombe, Mansfield and Barnet.

Hayes told BBC Radio Kent: "I am surprised nobody in the Conference or Football League has come along and said 'we're interested'."

Hayes heaped praise on Dover's player of the season, saying: "Adam is not your typical centre-forward.

"Every other club plays with a 6ft 1in centre-forward who is big and strong and quite mobile.

"Adam is totally different. To us, he is very valuable. If there is a professional club interested, then it's for them to come and make an offer."

Dover are likely to lose goalkeeper Ross Flitney, defender Matt Fish and centre-half Rob Gillman after the trio missed the deadline to sign a new contact.

Hayes said he is preparing for the future without them: "I gave everybody deadlines. The trouble is, we can't wait forever so we'll fill that vacancy.

"I've spoken with other people in their position. I can't see them being with us next year."

Sam Long, Lewwis Spence, Elliot Charles and Joe Tabiri have already been released by the club.

One player who will be plying his trade for the Whites next season is midfielder Matt Johnson.

The 21-year-old signing from Rushden & Diamonds turned down an offer from Blue Square Bet Premier side Mansfield Town, who are a division above Dover Athletic.

Johnson joins Shane Huke and Phil Starkey as summer signings at Crabble.