Ruben Soares-Junior has admitted he’s felt the love at Dover this season.

The 22-goal striker fired Dover to Isthmian Premier play-off glory this month.

It capped an amazing season for Soares-Junior, who quickly emerged as an integral player in manager Jake Leberl’s squad.

“It’s the first time I’ve been loved for a while, yes,” said Soares-Junior.

“I feel like from my career, there’s been mixed emotions.

“Of course, there is love from the fans in your career but this season at Dover, there was positivity even when we were losing games.

“Yes, we got some stick from the fans but let’s say the majority of the fans would actually back us and always make sure we’d go again and treat it like just another game.

“There’s been so many messages of support and everything so it’s been an amazing season.”

Soares-Junior wants to play at the highest possible level but he hasn’t ruled out staying at Crabble next season in National League South.

“Obviously, my plan is always to go higher in football because I feel like I’m still young,” he explained.

“I feel like I’ve done well but Dover is a place where I’m loved. The fans love me and I’ve got great management, as well.

"The management here, they actually understand me more than as a player - they understand me as a human being.

“Right now, my future is open, but Dover is definitely one of the options for me to stay next season.”

Soares-Junior admitted you cannot beat the feeling having a successful season gives you with goals, assists and promotion all combining to give him that extra happiness.

“I cannot lie, I’m over the moon,” he said. “Twenty-plus goals, captaining the boys for long periods of the season, gaining promotion, and about 14 or 16 assists.

“This has been an amazing season. Honestly, I’m just going to wait for the future and see what else I can do.

“But right now, I just want to enjoy this moment with the boys and the family.

“We’ll focus on next season later down the line because it’s been a tough season and my body feels done!”

Meanwhile, Dover have announced seven pre-season friendlies ahead of their return to National League South.

Whites start their pre-season matches at Faversham Town on Saturday, July 5 before hosting Gillingham on Tuesday, July 8 at Crabble. They entertain neighbours Deal on Friday, July 11.

They are at home to an Arsenal under-18s side, managed by former Dover favourite Adam Birchall, on Saturday, July 19 before hosting Bracknell seven days later.

Dover round off their build-up with home games against Folkestone (July 29) and Margate (August 2).

The club has also announced ticket prices for the new season. Matchday admission will be £18 for adults and £17 for over-60s, with under-18s £10 and under-11s free.

Season tickets are on sale now, including an early-bird offer which sees adult prices at £299 (rising to £364 on July 1), £276 (£341) for concessions, £75 for under-18s and under-11s free with an adult.

The club will also have block of five tickets on sale for fans that can’t make every match.

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter said: “Due to rising costs across the board, including travel, employment, utilities, and consumables, we’ve had to set prices slightly higher than in the 2023/24 season, when we were last in the National League South.

“We regret having to raise prices, but it’s a necessary step if we’re to remain competitive.

"We hope supporters understand the crucial role season ticket sales play in sustaining the club and giving Jake and the team the best possible chance of success.

“We urge supporters to buy their season tickets as early as possible so we can continue to plan for the season ahead.”