Dover have completed their first summer signing - as a popular local lad rejoins on a permanent basis.

Former Whites captain Ryan Hanson, still only 24, will remain at Crabble for their 2025/26 National League South return after he helped them secure Isthmian Premier promotion through the play-offs while on loan from Tonbridge.

The midfielder scored twice, including in his first appearance since his return in a 2-0 home win against relegated Bowers & Pitsea, in 12 appearances for Jake Leberl’s side.

His permanent return was confirmed on Wednesday after defender Jacob Mensah had also committed to stay with the club for the 2025/26 season.

On social media, Mensah wrote: “So happy to get this done!

“Looking forward to another amazing season again.”

A boyhood Dover supporter who grew up less than half a mile from the ground, Hanson started his career as a Crystal Palace youth-team player.

The former Dover Grammar School for Boys pupil then joined Hull, initially returning to Dover on loan in 2020, before he signed for Whites permanently for the first time in 2021.

Having led his hometown club, Hanson left Dover for Torquay a year on for an undisclosed fee.

The 2024/25 campaign saw Hanson make 30 appearances for Tonbridge, including 23 starts, before he linked up with Leberl and No.2 Mike Sandmann once more.

New Angels boss Craig Nelson had been in talks with Hanson over extending his stay at Longmead but, instead, he’s back for more at Dover.

Others to have committed to remain with Whites already include captain Mitch Walker, midfielders Alfie Matthews and George Wilkinson and teenage forward Kieron Agbebi.