DOVER Athletic enter a new era in their history on Saturday with a home game against Slough Town in the Ryman Premier.

Times have been changing at the Hoverspeed Stadium with the club making painful adjustments to their difficult financial circumstances. Their squad now consists predominantly of young local players.

After the failure to make Conference South last season, everyone at Crabble is hoping the setback will be a temporary one.

First team coach Richard Langley said: "It's a big learning curve, if you look how young the squad is."

Of the key experienced players in the Whites squad, four will be missing on Saturday.

Striker Craig Wilkins will be out of action for the next month at least with a back injury and Nicky Humphrey is still getting over a groin problem. Goalkeeper Paul Hyde cut two fingers with a hedge trimmer last week and will be out for up to a month. New signing Pat Mullin will deputise.

Matt Carruthers' ankle problem is not too serious, and he is looking to start his season at Cheshunt on Saturday week.

Dover's first away fixture in the new league takes place on Tuesday against pre-season title favourites Billericay Town. Langley will not be travelling to Essex as he faces a knee operation that day.

The Dover boss is still looking to strengthen his squad and has signed striker Shaun Welford, formerly of Corinthian. But he says the club can now only afford to sign local players from lower leagues.