FORMER England international Luther Blissett has put himself forward as a surprise candidate to become the new manager of Dover Athletic.

The ex-Watford and AC Milan striker was one of a dozen applicants for the post by last week's deadline, with Whites' finance director Steve Cattermole saying: "Six of the applicants either had no knowledge of football at this level and/or lived way outside the area.

"This left us with six, two of whom are at the club, one former player, two locally-based guys with the right credentials and one former England international."

The Dover board began the interviewing process this week, with Whites' keeper Paul Hyde and caretaker manager Gary Whittle also known to be on the list.

But it is Blissett's application, confirmed by chairman Mick Kemp, which is inevitably drawing most interest from Whites' fans.