Welcome to the club Matt, this is the first time I have managed to catch up with you. I know you're a local boy, what attracted you to the club and how did you come about signing for the club?

I was called by Steve Ball In the summer and he mentioned the plans Robbie and Ed had for the club - it was something that caught my attention and really excited me. Living 5 minutes for the ground was certainly a huge factor as logistically last year at Dover was a nightmare! I loved playing at that level but personally I needed something with less travel commitments. There were various conversations with Dave and Liam, to sign for the club was a no brainer for me.

You have played at a higher level than the Ryman Division One North. What can you tell me about your previous football achievements?

I think I've had a pretty good non-league career. I started at Exeter and played at professional level for a few years and I then fell out of the game as many do. I went to Bath University and combined full time training with a degree, similar to this set up in regards to a group of young players being given another chance. We had 5 promotions with Team Bath and we made it into the Conference South. After that I signed for Chelmsford City where I had some great times, missing out in the play offs two years running. I then went to Australia to play and also to travel, after which I then returned to Dover, I've enjoyed it so far and I am looking forward to playing for Maldon & Tiptree for as long as they want me.

We have had a mixed start to the season, winning three, drawing one and losing one - how would you sum up the start of the season?

It's been ok. In my opinion it's been brilliant to see how quickly we've implemented large parts of what the Gaffer and Liam want us to do. However there are areas where we've been poor and we need to improve on. Defensively, we haven't been as tight as we know we need to be and I think we can improve going forwards as well. It was great to keep a clean sheet on Saturday, but there were other areas where we fell short. It's coming together and I firmly believe we will continue to improve.

There has been a lot of discussion in the local press about how we need to tighten up our defence, what have you made of these comments?

I think the comments are fair. We've conceded too many and they've all been soft goals as well. Teams haven't had to work hard enough to score gain at us - it's down to the whole team and it's something we are working on.

In our last game we beat Haringey Borough, 2-0. We managed to keep our first clean sheet of the season, what did you make of the game?

It was an average performance, in my opinion. Our standards are high and the Gaffer is demanding we always aim higher. Without meaning to sound too disrespectful, we should have made it a lot more comfortable for ourselves. Our standards dropped in the second half and we made it tougher than it should have been.

On Tuesday, we are at home to Cheshunt which is sure to be a tough game. Are you expecting to take all three points from the game?

Yes, I expect to take 3 points from every game.

How have you found life under our new manager, David Wright so far?

It's been immense. I've been at enough non-league clubs and this is completely different to most, apart from Team Bath. Everything that the staff members are doing is what should happen in any coaching environment, but it doesn't. They all care, have high standards and are incredibly knowledgeable. It's a pleasure to be involved in!

Finally, have you set yourself any targets for the 2015/16 season?

I want promotion. I also want to play 40+ games. After 8 months away from competitive football, after Christmas I'm desperate to stay fit.