Dover Athletic appoint Nicky Forster as new manager

Forster began his career with Gillingham in 1992

Former Brentford striker Nicky Forster has been named the new manager of Blue Square Bet South club Dover Athletic.

Forster retired from playing at the end of last season to concentrate on his managerial career and will replace Martin Hayes, who was sacked on Monday.

The 38-year-old was put in temporary charge of Brentford in March, guiding the Bees to 11th in League One and the final of the Johnstone's Paint trophy.

Forster's first match will be an FA Cup tie at home to Carshalton on Saturday.

Forster, who scored nearly 200 goals in over 600 appearances in the Football League for clubs including Birmingham City, Reading and Brighton, as well as Brentford, has appointed former Charlton defender Steve Brown as his assistant.

Dover chairman Jim Parmneter told the club's official website : "Nicky has had an impressive playing career at some big clubs and did very well during his time as manager at Brentford.

"As well as having both UEFA 'A' and 'B' licenses, he is also a great man manager and motivator.

"Nicky is totally enthused by the prospect of managing the club and we look forward to a very successful future."