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Forster led Brentford to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final

New Dover Athletic boss Nicky Forster says that the priority this season is promotion from Blue Square Bet South.

Dover are currently 12th in the table after a run of one win in eight games under previous manager Martin Hayes.

"The foundations are here ready to go into the Football League," Forster told BBC Radio Kent.

"We want to be pitching ourselves against some of the bigger teams - with all due respect to the Conference South - in the Conference [Premier]."

Athletic have the best defensive record in the league but have struggled for goals and the ex-Brentford boss says the blend needs to be right.

"If we can just tinker things going forward and create chances for the strikers it's a recipe for success," he added.

"Let's hope there are many goals to celebrate."

For me to start moving players on and bringing players in before I give them the chance to show me what they can do isn't right Dover Athletic boss Nicky Forster

The former Reading striker has added ex-teammate Steve Brown to his staff as assistant manager who reiterated Forster's optimism.

"It is a club that's just waiting to burst up into the Conference and hopefully beyond," said Brown.

Forster's first game in charge comes on Saturday in the FA Cup, a competition in which the Whites enjoyed an impressive run last season during which they claimed the scalps of League teams Aldershot and local rivals Gillingham.

Dover begin this season's campaign at home to Ryman Premier team Carshalton Athletic and Forster says he is looking forward to the game.

"We expect a good performance and I expect us to rise to the occasion," he added.

And despite Dover's worrying form Forster says he will give the players the chance to show him their worth.

"For me to start moving players on and bringing players in before I give them the chance to show me what they can do isn't right," he said.

"I believe that the answers are within this group."

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