Manager Jake Leberl sees similarities between new Dover summer signing Decarrey Sheriff’s game and that of Whites fans’ favourite Ricky Miller.

Striker Sheriff, 27, arrives ahead of their National League South return for the 2025/26 campaign after one season at Isthmian Premier Billericay, in which he bagged 10 goals.

He started in Ricay’s 2-1 extra-time Isthmian Premier play-off semi-final loss to Dover in late April, coming off in extra-time, before Leberl’s team saw off Dartford to secure Isthmian Premier promotion.

But Whites confirmed they have got Sheriff’s signature last Friday - as it was third time lucky for Leberl - who has compared Sheriff to another attacker in Miller.

Miller scored 68 goals in 101 Whites matches before he moved on to the Football League.

Leberl said: “He first came to light when we were in the National League.

“We tried to get him on loan so we did a lot of homework on him then.

“We wanted him last summer but he chose to go to Billericay, which is understandable.

“He has a little bit of Ricky Miller in him. He’s strong, powerful and has a good left foot on him. He has had a couple of frustrating seasons.

“But I do feel, especially if we can get him off to a good start, he can be a terrific signing.”

While Dover’s front three of top scorer George Nikaj, Luke Baptiste and Ruben Soares-Junior - who the club announced has penned a new deal over the weekend - each contributed more than 20 goals, Leberl is optimistic Sheriff’s arrival will add more to his squad on their Step 2 return.

“It’s really important to be flexible,” he said.

“In my head, I know where I want us to go and I won’t put round pegs in square holes. I think it’s important players are comfortable in the positions they’re playing in.

“I feel we were a little bit one-dimensional last season. But we have got a training facility for Thursdays next season so we can do a little bit more.

“We will need to be more adaptable in this league than we were in the league below.”

Others to have committed to stay include No.1 Mitch Walker, midfielders George Wilkinson and Alfie Matthews, as well as versatile defender Luca Cocoracchio and young striker Kieron Agbebi.

Leberl said: “It’s a little bit unheard of these days but I’ve had all my success through stability at clubs.

“When I went to Dagenham, it was a three-year build and then we won the National League [in 2007].

“Each year, we kept the core and just added from there. We’re looking to carry our core into next season.

“The fact quite a few players have chosen to stay over other opportunities is really positive.

“Like me, I think they’re excited. They know Dover has a history of being a National League club.

“They have bought into that and want to be here, and a lot of those players have proven they want to be here by rejecting better offers from elsewhere.”

They will be joined by returning midfielder Ryan Hanson, with the local lad making his loan switch from rivals Tonbridge Angels a permanent one.

“In an ideal world, I would like to train in this part of the world,” said Leberl.

“We want to recruit local boys. Having Ryan, who is proven at this level, is massive.

“I do feel he was a massive benefit to us when he came in last season alongside Jacob Mensah.

“We have got Nikaj and Wilko (George Wilkinson), as well, so there’s some good local talent there.”

Leberl is open to adding further to Whites’ ranks as preparations for their pre-season schedule, which will start early next month, step up - but only if the right man is available.

He said: “It’s difficult. I have been in this position before.

“When you get promoted, it’s a double-edged sword. The squad and the players have done so well, and created such a strong bond but, also, I’m fully aware we’re going up to a tough league.

“It’s a fine line between being too loyal and having players that are capable of playing in that step up.

“But we were in that league two seasons ago. Ultimately, we’re going into it to be as competitive as we can rather than also-rans.

“But I do believe the majority of the lads, if not all the lads, are capable.

“It’s just that fine balance, isn’t it? Any new lads need to fit into the changing room and offer something that we don’t currently have.

“You also want to get it done as quickly as you can, but you also need to be a bit careful.

“A lot of players will be trialling higher and, sometimes, you need to wait a bit on them.”

Striker Eniye Amgbaduba has left for Faversham and could face a swift reunion with his old club on July 5 at Salters Lane.

Dover have revealed their new VX3 home and away kits for the 2025/26 season.