Mike Sandmann has explained how Dover’s inclusiveness towards the management teams’ families have helped make his first-team commitments more enjoyable.

Whites’ Isthmian League return was a brief one as their promotion-winning squad returned to National League South football with a 2-0 play-off final victory at Dartford.

For assistant Sandmann, who also runs the club’s successful Academy, based at Faversham’s Abbey School, there are plenty of plates to spin.

It’s a similar story for boss Jake Leberl - also a dad - but Sandmann and Leberl have been able to bring their children to games, making the senior football commitments they make that much easier.

“Credit to the management team, the staff and the players because I've really enjoyed being part of it,” said Sandmann, who stepped back from his first-team duties when Mitch Brundle was in charge in 2023, only to become Leberl’s No.2 that December.

“Credit to Jake.

“We work extremely well together. We're very different but very similar at times.

“We both have the best intentions of the football club at heart and it seems to be working really well. We bounce off each other extremely well.

“I think you have to have that - and I think the players need that. Myself and Jake have got families and our families have been able to be on this journey this year with us.

“Having our sons at the games and enjoying that moment has been huge, not just for me, but I know for Jake, as well.

“When you see how much enjoyment they get out of it, it gives you that extra incentive to want to do well and want them to be part of the process. From my point of view, it's something I'm really enjoying and that's credit to the players, the staff and the football club.

“If you're not enjoying your work, it makes the hours longer. It makes the time away from the family more difficult.

“Like I say, it's been a pleasure to work with Jake, the players and all the staff.”

Sandmann’s loved ones were the first people he celebrated promotion with.

“When that final whistle went at Dartford, the first people I went to see were my family,” he said. “They do make a sacrifice behind the scenes.

“When results don't go your way and you're a bit despondent at home, they, sometimes, feel the brunt of it!

“The first people you want to celebrate with are your family. Your immediate family first, then your football family straight after.

“I think what's really pleasing for myself and Jake in terms of our families is how good the boys have been with our lads.

“They’ve made them feel welcome. They made them feel part of it, as well. They've really enjoyed the journey.

“It's lovely to see because, when you've got your family there and your boys there, it takes it away from being work - because you're getting to spend that time with them, as well.”

Whites will begin pre-season at Isthmian South East newcomers Faversham Town this Saturday before Tuesday’s visit of Gillingham.

Forward Kweku Lucan has left Dover.