Dover goalkeeper Mitch Walker can be excused for giving his talented hands a well earned rest.

It has been a long, hard season for the 22-year-old.

Whites played 70 games (including pre-season friendlies) last season and Walker, who signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2012, reckons he played in all bar three or four of them.

You can also add to his workload, an end of season tour to Hungary and Slovakia with England C. But you won’t hear him ever complain.

He said: “It’s been a massive season and sure I’m feeling tired but I love my job – it doesn’t get any better than playing football for a living as far as I’m concerned.”

Walker will recharge with a week away fishing in France, a sport he says helps him relax, before heading off to Greece with his girlfriend.

Then he’ll be back to start preparing for Whites’ first campaign in non league’s top flight for 12 years, Conference Premier.

And to do that, Walker, an Arsenal fan whose idol growing up was the Gunners’ former England No.1 David Seaman, will train with League 1 side Crawley – something he did last season.

Read the full story in today's Dover Mercury