Manager Jake Leberl believes there is no way Dover would have enjoyed the success they have had without Jim Parmenter - as Whites’ chairman celebrates a major milestone.

It was 20 years ago on Monday that Mr Parmenter saved the club from the brink of extinction - and he has remained at the helm since.

While Whites have endured four tough campaigns which have seen them drop from National League regulars to adapting to life in Isthmian Premier, things are looking up again under Leberl this season.

They sit top as the current crop aim to replicate the team who won back-to-back promotions under then-manager Andy Hessenthaler between 2007 and 2009, albeit three straight home defeats have cut their lead down to a single point.

Leberl said: “There’s no way the club would have had the success they have had without him.

“He does divide opinion and he’s difficult to work with at times because he’s a businessman. There’s people like me who want to push and push - but there needs to be a balance - and he offers that.

“But I think he’s enjoying it again. He has a bit more time now he’s retired.

Dover post nominal loss

“Hopefully, we can push the club onwards and upwards because the club has such a good history.”

Another of the club’s most memorable days in recent times saw them host Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2015.

Leberl, who was legendary boss Chris Kinnear’s No.2 when Whites hosted Alan Pardew’s Eagles, said: “There’s so much money about these days.

“It’s not all about money, as we have proven, but it does make a massive difference. But we recruited well in the summer and want to continue that feel-good factor.

"Sponsorship and things like that are so important because we need some stability.

“We’re miles off the league above but we will need that sort of support from the community to be successful in the league above.

“The chairman has had some unbelievable days with the club and I’m just glad we’re on the up again.

"It was 10 years ago we played Palace. We’re in a good place.

“But I do think there’s room for growth and we need to make sure we keep pushing.”

Whites secured a 3-0 victory at Hendon last weekend after they suffered a 2-1 home loss to Horsham on New Year’s Day despite midfielder Alfie Matthews’ first-half effort.

Leberl reflected: “It was very positive.

“Obviously, they have been in a bit of poor form since their manager [Lee Allinson] left and went to Hemel Hempstead but, in saying that, it was a very good performance.

“We scored three great goals. It could - and should - have been more.

“But we kept a clean sheet and didn’t pick up any bookings so it was a very good day.”

Forward Ruben Soares-Junior bagged a brace at Hendon to move to 18 goals for the season - three behind top scorer George Nikaj, who was also on target at Silver Jubilee Park - while attacking midfielder Luke Baptiste has scored 12 goals.

Leberl said: “To have three boys in double figures, that’s really positive.

"These boys all have a great chance of scoring a lot of goals this year.

“When you have that in your side, you always feel you can win games - even despite our home results of late.”

Next up for Whites is a home match against play-off chasing Lewes on Saturday.

While Leberl praised Lewes’ Dripping Pan pitch which his troops won 3-1 on in November, he concedes his players may need to adapt to perform to the best of their ability on the home grass surface at Crabble.

He said: “Lewes’ pitch was beautiful. Full credit to whatever they do because I think it’s a bit of a hybrid.

“I think our pitch is a bit of a negative for us and I cannot see it getting better.

"But we cannot change it so there’s no use moaning about it. Lewes started really well this season.

"They have since had some indifferent results - but they’re dangerous - and on their day, they can cause a lot of problems.

“It will be an interesting one.”