Dover Athletic boss Chris Kinnear has made his eighth signing of the summer the same day that news has broken that Ricky Miller – Dover’s player of the year last season – will miss the start of his career at Peterborough United due to a retrospective six game ban.

Miller has been banned following an incident that the FA had charged the 28-year-old with violent conduct in April – which Miller denied and requested a personal hearing which has now taken place.

The ban dates back to an incident in Dover’s game at Guiseley at the end of March. Miller scored two of his 40 goals in the 4-0 win but there was an altercation early in the second half of which Miller has now been found guilty.

Peterborough clearly knew of the charge facing their new signing as chairman Darragh MacAnthony said on social media on Wednesday afternoon: “Unfortunate news re Ricky Miller, he is banned for the first six games of the season – they’ll pass quickly though.”

When asked why, the Posh Chairman replied: “Pulled a (Luis) Suarez I think, bite-wise. We knew before signing him to be fair – it is what it is.”

Miller has since issued the following statement via Peterborough United’s club website:

“I would just like to take this opportunity to put into a bit of context the six-match ban that I have received from the Football Association relating to an incident while playing for Dover Athletic at the back end of last season.”

“Whilst I apologise for my actions, I was in a situation in which I was struggling to breathe. I was being held in a head lock by an opponent for 6 seconds, and felt it was my only option to get out of it which was acknowledged by the Football Association when the ban was reduced.”

“It is important to put the incident into a bit of context because I am aware without knowing the full story, people can make judgements, which are not accurate.”

“It will be frustrating to miss the start of the season, but I will be working extremely hard during the pre-season campaign to get myself in the best possible shape to be ready for when I can be called upon for selection.”

“I am delighted to be playing for Peterborough United Football Club, everybody has made me feel welcome and I am looking forward to repaying the faith shown in me.”

News of Miller’s suspension came just hours before confirmation of another busy day in the transfer market for Kinnear at Crabble as former Newport County striker Ryan Bird signed a one-year deal with an option for further year.

The big target man Bird scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Welsh side including a goal scoring debut against Hartlepool United in January.

Kinnear’s summer intake had now seen Femi Ilesanmi, Tobi Sho-Silva, Connor Essam, Manny Parry, Kane Richards, Mitch Brundle, Jamie Allen and now Bird sign on the dotted line as Dover look to build on last season’s success that took them to the edge of the National League Play Offs.