DOVER ATHLETIC'S promotion charge has been given a huge boost after former captain Connor Essam returned to the club on loan until the end of the season.
Centre-back Essam, 23, skippered the Whites for most of last season as they finished an impressive eighth in the league and made the third round of the FA Cup.
His performances led to interest from the Football League and he signed for League Two side Leyton Orient in the summer.
The former Gillingham defender has featured 26 times for Orient this season but he has fallen out of favour under new boss Kevin Nolan.
His last appearance came as a late substitute in the 1-0 win at Oxford United on March 12 and he has returned to Crabble until the end of the season.
The Whites are fourth in the National League table after a run of four wins in five games and Essam's return has come at the right time as Chris Kinnear's men enter the final stages of the season.
Essam told the Dover Express: “I have been keeping tabs on how Dover were getting on and I've been thrilled for them and I am delighted to be back and part of the race.
“I started the season really well for Orient, I was playing well but then, as always, an injury happens and then it ruled me out for about ten weeks, it was a bad injury.
“I have always kept in touch with Chris and Jake (Leberl, assistant) and when I was made available for loan, the gaffer was one of the first on the phone and I was happy to come back.
“The club did great last season but this year, they really are in the chase for the play-offs which is superb for the club. It'll be different to last season but I can't wait to get going. I am ready and raring to go, don't get me wrong. I am fit and ready.”
