Dover Athletic can confirm our retained list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. 

The following player remains under contract after a clause in their existing agreement was activated:

Mitch Walker

The following player remains under contract with the club after the activation of a one-year option in their existing agreement:

Max Fiddes

The following players have been offered new contracts & received retained letters under the Bosman Ruling:

George Wilkinson 

Luke Baptiste 

Roman Charles-Cook 

Momodou Jallow

Rolando Onu

Kenny Coker

Harry Beadle

Finley Marjoram

The club is in continued discussions and negotiations with the following players and we will continue to keep supporters informed of any positive updates as they progress further:

Jordan Gillmore

Claudio Boakye-Sarfo

Fuad Sesay

Jalen Jones

Luca Cocoracchio

Harrison Sodje

Jacob Mensah

Bivesh Gurung

Ryan Hanson

Decarrey Sheriff

Ruben Soares-Junior

Players departing the club this summer:

Kieron Agbebi

Henry Young

Matty Holness

George Nikaj (Subject to appropriate compensation being settled.)

Dover Athletic would like to put on record its thanks and appreciation to those players leaving the club. We wish them all the very best for the future.

Dover Athletic Football Club is looking for a confident, creative, and highly organised individual to take charge of our matchday atmosphere. As the voice of Crabble and the organiser of supporter engagement activities, you’ll play a key role in shaping the matchday experience for fans of all ages.

The Role

You will be responsible for delivering a professional, engaging, and energetic matchday experience. Your duties will include:

• Acting as the stadium PA announcer for all home fixtures
• Making safety announcements, team news updates, and general ground and match information
• Managing pre‑match, half‑time, and post‑match entertainment
• Organising supporter events during games, including on‑pitch competitions and fan‑focused activities
• Coordinating music playlists and matchday presentation
• Working closely with club staff, volunteers, and media teams
• Ensuring all announcements are accurate, timely, and compliant with league regulations

Hours of Work

This is a matchday‑based role requiring availability for:

• Saturday home fixtures
• Tuesday evening home fixtures

What We’re Looking For

We want someone who brings personality, professionalism, and passion. You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• A clear, confident speaking voice and strong microphone presence
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• A flair for entertainment, fan engagement, and live presentation
• Good knowledge of football culture (non‑league experience is a bonus)
• The ability to work independently and as part of a small, dedicated team
• Reliability and consistent availability for home matchdays

Desirable Skills

• Experience in live announcing, radio, events, or performance
• Audio/music management skills (e.g., playlists, sound desks)
• Creative ideas for improving matchday atmosphere
• Confidence interacting with supporters, sponsors, and guests

What We Offer

• A unique and exciting role at the heart of Dover Athletic’s matchday operation
• The chance to shape the fan experience and bring new ideas to life
• A friendly, community‑focused working environment
• Fee paid per match

How to Apply

If you’re ready to bring energy, professionalism, and creativity to Crabble, we’d love to hear from you. Please send an email with a short cover note explaining why you’re the right fit to enquiries@doverathletic.com

Season Tickets

We are delighted to confirm that both season ticket and on-the-gate prices will remain unchanged for the 2026/27 season, ensuring watching the Whites at the Megger Community Stadium remains as affordable and accessible as possible for our supporters.

As always our season tickets are the most cost effective way to watch Whites play at home. Our Early bird offer runs from now until the end of June.

Paying a lump sum for season tickets makes them less accessible for some fans and we continue to have a facility to split the payment across 2 months (May and Jun) when purchasing online.  

You can order or renew your season ticket at our club shop (dafcdirect.com) now.

As always our season tickets also include pre-season friendlies.

	Early Bird	Full Price
Adult	£299	£364
Concessions – O60	£276	£341
Concessions – U18	–	£75
Under 11	FREE with Adult	FREE with Adult

Block-of-5

Our block of 5 tickets are back again this season. An option for fans that can’t make every game, but are looking for a saving through a multi-buy offer.  

Adult	£82
Concession	£77

On the gate

Adult	£18
Concession – O60	£17
Concession – U18	£10
Under 11	FREE

All season tickets can be purchased by the following options:

• You can buy online HERE
• Call the club office on 01304 822373 (option 2) to pay by card
• Head up to the club office at Crabble between 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday) or on matchdays

Tickets are on sale now so support your club and renew your season or buy one today!

Dover Athletic captain Mitch Walker had a memorable end-of-season awards presentation by picking up both the Andy Fisher Shield for Away Supporters’ Player of the Season and The Simon Harris Shield for Supporters’ Player of the Season.

The double recognition reflects another outstanding campaign from the Whites’ skipper, whose consistency, leadership and performances throughout the season made him a clear favourite among supporters both home and away.

As part of the award, a £100 donation from the Supporters Club has been made to Mitch’s chosen charity.

A special thank you goes to Kevin Harris for attending and presenting the award on behalf of the Supporters Club.

Walker’s successful evening did not stop there, as he was also voted Players’ Player of the Season by his teammates.

There was also recognition for Luca Cocoracchio, who collected the Manager’s Player of the Season award after an impressive and consistent campaign.

Meanwhile, George Nikaj secured the Golden Boot Award after finishing the season as the club’s top scorer with 15 goals in all competitions.

Dover Athletic signed off the 2025/26 National League South season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Chesham United at the Megger Community Stadium, as a George Nikaj brace ensured the Whites ended the campaign with a point in front of a crowd of 1,054.

With little riding on the final-day fixture for either side, Dover started brightly and looked to take the initiative early. Sesay drove forward well from left-back inside five minutes, bursting down the flank but unable to find a white shirt with his cross. Moments later, a loose Chesham effort was swept up by Mensah, who quickly turned defence into attack with a clever lofted pass towards Nikaj, though the visitors managed to recover.

The breakthrough arrived on 13 minutes. Chesham failed to deal with a loose ball at the back and Nikaj reacted quickest, pouncing on the mistake and firing first time into an empty net to hand Dover the lead. It was a gift the Dover number 10 was never going to pass up, and the Whites had the early advantage.

Dover looked confident after the opener and nearly built on it with some neat passing moves. A slick spell of possession on 19 minutes earned another corner, although it came to nothing. Sheriff then tested the visitors from a tight angle after a sharp interchange in midfield, but his effort flew off target.

Chesham gradually worked themselves back into the contest, with Duerell Benito and Yearn beginning to dictate possession in midfield. A dangerous low cross on the half-hour mark forced Gillmore into quick action, while Mensah produced an important intervention shortly after to put off a striker racing through on goal.

The visitors were growing stronger. McClure went close after getting in behind, while a glancing header from a corner drifted just over the crossbar. Babos also tried his luck from distance when he spotted Gillmore off his line, but the Dover goalkeeper recovered well to gather.

Just as it looked like Dover would take their lead into the break, Chesham found their equaliser in stoppage time. Yearn slipped a clever pass down the outside of the defence and Babos reacted sharply, getting across his marker before finishing neatly into the corner to make it 1-1 at half time.

Dover made one change at the interval, with Gurung replacing Jones, but the second half started in frustrating fashion for the hosts. After a fairly harmless situation, confusion at the back proved costly as Gillmore came to claim, only to half-punch the ball against his own defender. The loose ball dropped kindly for Yearn, who calmly looped a volley over the stranded defence and into the empty net to put Chesham 2-1 ahead on 50 minutes.

The game then drifted through a quiet spell, with little goalmouth action as the afternoon heat took hold. Dover introduced Ezenwanne for Sesay on 62 minutes, handing the academy player his senior debut, before Onu and Baptiste replaced Wilkinson and Sheriff.

Onu nearly made an instant impact, chasing a through ball but finding the Chesham goalkeeper quickly off his line. At the other end, Gillmore remained alert when needed, including an important late save as the visitors pushed for a winner.

With ten minutes remaining, Dover found their moment. Nikaj, already on the scoresheet, picked the ball up around 30 yards from goal and unleashed a superb left-footed strike that curled high into the top corner beyond the diving goalkeeper. It was a brilliant finish and a deserved equaliser from Dover’s standout performer.

Nikaj nearly completed his hat-trick just minutes later, swinging another effort narrowly wide of the post, before testing the goalkeeper again with an audacious late free-kick. Ezenwanne also earned applause for a strong defensive challenge late on, showing real commitment on his debut.

Five minutes of added time brought one final spell of Chesham pressure, but Gillmore produced a key stop in stoppage time to preserve the draw.

It meant Dover ended the season with a share of the spoils and a positive result to close the campaign, finishing 2025/26 with National League South football secured and plenty to build on for next season.

Dover Athletic XI:
27 Gillmore, 2 Charles-Cook, 21 Mensah, 4 Jones, 16 Beadle, 3 Sesay, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson (C), 23 Wilkinson, 11 Sheriff, 10 Nikaj

Subs:
14 Baptiste, 15 Gurung, 9 Onu, 22 Jallow, 18 Marjoram, 19 Agbebi, 17 Ezenwanne

Chesham United XI:
1 Goode, 5 Brown (C), 6 Stevens, 11 Joseph, 17 Adebiyi, 18 Babos, 19 McClure, 21 Duerell Benito, 24 Yearn, 28 Lench, 31 Williams

Subs:
3 Lafleur, 8 Rasulo, 10 Weiss, 12 Oliyide, 20 Roberts, 22 Addae, 27 Bennetts

Dover Athletic Fans’ Forum – 21 April 2026 

Dover Athletic hosted a Fans’ Forum at the Megger Community Stadium, giving supporters the opportunity to hear directly from the club’s leadership and ask questions on a wide range of topics. 

The evening provided an open and honest discussion, covering everything from on-pitch performance and squad planning to finances, facilities and the long-term future of the club. Supporters were able to raise key concerns, while the panel offered detailed insight into the challenges and ambitions behind the scenes. 

With the club securing National League South status for another season, the forum also served as a chance to reflect on the campaign and look ahead to the future, with a shared focus on progress, stability and continued support from the fanbase. 

The responses below have been condensed from the full discussion, with key questions and quotes selected to provide a clear and accessible summary of the evening while remaining true to what was said. 

Panel 

• Jim Parmenter – Chairman  

• Jake Leberl – Manager  

• Mike Sandmann – Assistant Manager  

• Richard Bates – Chief Scout 

• Paul Hyde – Goalkeeping Coach / Club Legend 

Q1: Are we going to improve the hospitality at home next season? 

Jim: 

• “Folkestone at home took everybody by surprise. It took security by surprise; it took me by surprise.”  

• “The kick-off was delayed because we couldn’t get everybody into the ground.”  

• “We appreciate we’ve had some quite big games and some big community days where, as far as I know, the catering and the support provided has been up to scratch.”  

• “So obviously we will make arrangements now knowing that the case is likely to be three to four thousand rather than one to two thousand.” 

• “We’ve also introduced things like the bottle bar on busy games, and we’re now selling beer in other areas, looking at adding more around the ground as well.” 

Q2: How are we going to cope competing with full-time teams with the budget we have? 

Answer: 

Jim: 

• “The budget is the budget… it’s not a bad budget in terms of being a part time team.” 

• Full-time football, we’ve tried that, we’ve been there.”  

• “One or two teams that are full-time are thinking of going part-time again.”  

• “With our numbers in terms of crowd and even with our fantastic sponsors… we just aren’t able to go full-time because of costs.”  

• “So to answer your question about how we are going to compete on the pitch, I’ll pass that to Jake.”  

Jake: 

• “Obviously it’s really difficult… I’ve only been in a year or so. We signed step three, step four players and we got promoted a little bit quicker than we thought we would have done last year.”  

• “So it took us all by surprise really. It’s really challenging. Eastbourne are bottom of the league, although they hammered us here, they’re full-time.”  

• “I think generally we’ve done reasonably well against the full-time sides.”  

• “We got promoted last year based on a lot of spirit and togetherness. I feel we’ve lost a little bit of that this season for obvious reasons.”  

• “So we need to get everyone back together… this is one of the reasons we held this today, to clear the air a little bit.”  

• “So to answer your question, we’re doing the best as we can — and that’s all we can do.” 

Q3: How do the management envisage team changes for next season — lots of changes or keep the squad tight? 

Jake: 

• “A bit early to say.”  

• “Historically it’s really difficult to attract players here.”  

• “Geographically… financially.”  

• “As things stand, we’ve just been through a lot over the last week or so.”  

• “We’re probably looking at about half the squad to stay, if we can.”  

• “Obviously there’s a few of them boys that will have offers elsewhere.”  

• “We’re going to try and encourage them to stay.”  

• “But at the end of the day it will come down to financial and location.” 

Q4: What is the club’s official policy regarding players playing elsewhere (baller league situation)? 

Answer: 

Jim: 

• “I think it’s good since you brought it up, we can probably cover that in a little bit of detail.”  

• “I just want to read you the clauses in the player’s contract so you understand where we are as a club.”  

• “The player shall not, without the written consent of the club, participate professionally in any sporting or athletic activity unless it is for or at the direction of the club.”  

• “The player shall give everything necessary to get and keep himself in the best possible condition.”  

• “The player further agrees not to indulge in any activity that may endanger his health or fitness.”  

• “The player shall not, without written consent, engage in any business or employment the club deems unsuitable.”  

• “So quite clearly, the players were in breach of contract.”  

• “We have formulated quite a firm policy for next season.” 

Jake: 

• “It’s been a really difficult situation and we’re not the only club. We had a gentleman’s agreement with all the boys. We were more than happy for them to play on a Monday night if we weren’t playing on a Tuesday.”  

• “I felt there was a gap in the market because a lot of clubs would have stopped it. Unfortunately, they didn’t just play — they didn’t even let us know they were going to play. That was against what was agreed and really disappointing.”  

• “We tried to incorporate them back into the squad.”  

• “But it’s been really, really disappointing.”  

Mike: 

• “We only want players here that want to play for Dover Athletic. Last season we had a tight group that really engaged with the supporters. That was part of our success.”  

• “We understood why they were doing it. But they have to put Dover Athletic first. Some players honoured that agreement — others didn’t.”  

• “Once players are not putting the club first, that’s when we have an issue.”  

Q5: Is there any chance we will go 4G, given many clubs now have it and we seem to play better on it? 

Chairman: 

• “Personally I don’t like football on 4G, but one has to be pragmatic.”  

• “We are on the list these days to get funding from the stadium improvement fund.”  

• “You have to be on the council’s plan for football pitches. We are on the list — they say we’re fourth on the list. It might be in the next five years that we get something.” 

• “If we had a million quid to spend… and if one of our sponsors decided to be really generous… We would put 4G down directly. But that’s the sort of cost you’re talking about.” 

Q6: Can you give us an insight into the change in formation — was it forced or tactical, and what about next season? 

Answer: 

Jake: 

• “The squad probably suited more of a 3-5-2.”  

• “But because of how well we did last year, we wanted to continue.”  

• “Maybe a little bit naively when I look back.”  

• “Goals for hasn’t been the problem — it’s goals against.”  

• “We definitely need to be more flexible next year.”  

• “Having two centre forwards can cause teams more problems.”  

Mike: 

• “We do have to be more flexible.”  

• “At the end of the day, it’s the players and what you’re up against.”  

• “Our job is to win football matches.”  

• “We’ve done enough to stay in the division — that was the target.”  

• “We need to be more adaptable and recruit players that allow that.” 

Q7: Jim, what’s your ambition for yourself and the club going forward? 

Answer: 

Jim: 

• “There have been rumours that I’m selling up… listen, I’m not getting any younger. I’m retired now, and my greatest thoughts are about the future of the football club.”  

• “There’s no Arab sheiks or American billionaires waiting to throw billions into the club, but for the last year I’ve been talking to individuals who have a real interest in the club and want to help take it forward.”  

• “It’s not going to be an urgent thing this season — it’s going to be a slow burn over the next two to three years, which will lead to some quite exciting things, but I can’t say more because it’s subject to NDA.”  

• “My focus is on developing the club and making sure it’s left in the right hands — people who really care about it going forward.” 

Q8: Is the negativity online getting to you after what is still a big achievement staying up? 

Answer: 

Jake: 

• “It’s not nice, but it’s part and parcel of the job… it affects the family more, and mine have been staying away because of it.”  

• “The one that really got to me was Enfield away — we were desperate for points and the crowd were chanting players’ names who had let us down instead of supporting the team.”  

• “You expect negativity when you lose or don’t perform, but that was disappointing.”  

• “Even last year, after one pre-season loss, people were in the dressing room wanting to fight us… then you win games and everyone’s happy again.”  

Jim: 

• “That’s football — you can be a hero one day and the villain the next.” 

Q8: Is there anything that can be done about games being called off late — can local referees be used earlier? 

Answer: 

Jim: 

• “We’ve only had one game called off this year — Torquay at home.”  

• “We had two pitch inspections and it wasn’t frozen, then it froze overnight.”  

• “We brought in a local referee in the morning and they called it off.”  

• “We still got fined for that.”  

• “We’ve had about seven inspections this season and most have gone ahead.”  

Mike: 

• “We’re certainly not the only club — it’s happening across the league.”  

• “It’s something the National League need to look at.”  

• “It’s a shame fixtures aren’t more local in winter months.”  

• “Travelling long distances like Torquay in winter is difficult.” 

Q9: What does the academy pathway look like — can we expect more young players coming through? 

Answer: 

Mike: 

• “We’ve produced over a hundred boys who are now playing football.”  

• “There are clubs at step four where half the team are our academy graduates.”  

• “The current boys (Wilkinson, Nikaj, Baptiste) are the heartbeat of the club.”  

• “They understand the environment and what it means to play here.”  

• “They feel part of the football club — and you don’t get that everywhere.”  

• “If they’re good enough, we’ll give them the opportunity.”  

• “But it’s a balance between development and winning football matches.”  

• “We don’t want to hold them back if they need game time elsewhere.” 

Q10: What’s your assessment of attendances this season and the effectiveness of community days? 

Answer: 

Jim: 

• “The community days and the free day were very, very successful — apart from the results.”  

• “At the start of the season, attendances were near budget, but when you lose games, crowds drop — that’s always the case.”  

• “In the last month or so, we were struggling badly for income and money had to be put into the club to keep it afloat.”  

• “At a crowd of around 700, we take enough to pay about half a week’s wages.”  

• “That means the rest has to come from sponsors and myself.”  

• “Success on the pitch drives attendances — it’s as simple as that.” 

• “We take approximately fifty percent more income from the bars and outlets on a community day than a normal game.” 

• “The free game works because it’s a one-off — it creates interest and brings people in who don’t normally come.”  

• “If you reduce ticket prices regularly, it doesn’t make much difference — we’ve tried that before.”  

• “It’s a big risk and doesn’t necessarily increase crowds. Community days only work when they’re carefully timed one-offs. If you do them too often, they lose their impact.”  

Q11: Are you thinking about changing season ticket prices? 

Answer: 

Jim: 

• “I think I can announce now that all of our ticket prices will remain the same for next season.”  

• “That’s just a recognition that times are tough and people have to find money from somewhere.”  

• “I don’t feel we should add to that pressure by putting prices up.”  

• “Hopefully people will buy a season ticket and come along without worrying about increases.” 

Q12: Why has the season tailed off in the final weeks? 

Answer: 

Richard: 

• “One of the things that actually took a lot out of us was late January and February.”  

• “Six of the top seven we played in consecutive matches.”  

• “It did feel like we were at the point of exhaustion in that Weston game.”  

• “We made a conscious decision to keep a tight number.”  

• “We’ve signed four players over the course of the season, including a loan.”  

• “I do genuinely think we were dead on our feet by the time we got to early March, to be truthful.”  

• “A lot of these boys just haven’t had the experience of this level over time. I just think it’s taking its toll.”  

• “Nothing has changed in terms of preparation — we’ve prepared for the last six games exactly the same as the first six. I just think it has caught up with us.” 

Q13: Do supporters maybe need a bit more perspective on where the club is now? 

Answer: 

Mike: 

• “We’re talking about a game at Torquay where we should have got a point. Torquay are a huge Football League club.”  

• “That can get lost when negativity creeps in.”  

• “I don’t think many people three years ago would have thought we’d be where we are now. So I do think sometimes perspective does need to play a part.”  

• “As frustrating as it is, we feel that too as a management team.”  

Q14: Are we too nice with referees and game management? 

Answer: 

Jake: 

• “We are too nice, and you do try to play by the rules. I’m massive on discipline — one of the reasons we got promoted last year was how good our discipline was, and one of the reasons we haven’t been relegated this year is how good our discipline is.”  

• “The last thing you want is an early booking for arguing with the ref, but experienced players seem able to moan at the ref and get away with it, whereas one of our young boys does it and goes straight in the book. So it is frustrating.”  

Q15: Hydey has been very quiet tonight — how much do you still enjoy being involved, and what role does he play? 

Answer: 

Paul Hyde: 

• “I came here when Jake took over as manager. He asked me to come down and support the club.”  

• “I’ve always been a supporter of the club because playing 350 games here in my twilight years was an unbelievable achievement for me.”  

• “They gave me my second opportunity to play after breaking my leg. I’ve been a massive fan of Dover ever since. I come down to support the club and help the best I can.”  

• “Every opportunity I’m here, I come down to cast a view, give a bit of an opinion, have a bit of a chat with the crowd, and just be part of the club again.”  

• “It’s great to be part of that. We all sing off the same hymn sheet.”  

• “For us to be competing in this league, with the resources we’ve got, it’s an art what they do — almost a miracle.”  

Jake: 

• “It was a no-brainer for me to ask him to come along. He’s been there, seen it, done it. He’s a sounding block and he’s been brilliant for me. Long may it continue.” 

Q16: Richard, tell us more about yourself, and what does your job involve? 

Answer: 

Jake: 

• “He’s been absolutely brilliant. It’s constant — twenty-four hours a day.”  

• “He’s been a massive part of our success.”  

Richard: 

• “I spent five years at Bowers & Pitsea doing opposition analysis, recruitment and scouting.”  

• “I was in touch with Jake through that and that’s how the conversation started.”  

• “By early September 2024. I effectively started working for Dover, but no one would have seen me.”  

• “Last season I spent the whole time watching opposition on the road.”  

• “This season, thanks to the video footage, I can actually watch the games as well and help on the touchline.”  

• “I didn’t actually step into the dugout until the Billericay play-off game.”  

• “It’s been the best experience I’ve had in football in the last couple of years.” 

Q17: Could events like this fans’ forum happen every two or three months? 

Answer: 

Jake: 

• “We really didn’t want to finish the season how we’ve finished it.”  

• “That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to do tonight — to go into next season on a positive.”  

• “It’s just such a shame we haven’t picked up points in the last six.”  

• “Hopefully we can finish on a high and take a positive effect into next season.”  

• “It’s been a really positive night. I totally agree with that.”  

Q18: You’re about to finish your second full season — what have you learned from two very contrasting seasons? 

Answer: 

Jake: 

• “It’s an absolutely bizarre situation. I never had any intention to be manager of this football club — I came back to help and be part of it, and the club was in a bad way when I stepped in. We got relegated and it was a really tough period.”  

• “Then me and Mike gave it a go in the Isthmian League, and I never dreamed we’d have a season like last season — it was a once-in-a-decade season, and that was the sole reason we won promotion, what we had within.”  

• “This season has been really, really tough, but there have been enjoyable times, some really good days and some really tough days. Now it’s about building for next season and giving it another go.” 

Q19: Where do you think the club can end up next season? 

Answer: 

Jim: 

• “It all depends on finance. If we can get crowds up over one thousand or twelve hundred, we’ll be able to do a lot more than we can with crowds of seven-fifty. Mid-table for us would be a fantastic achievement, but if we can improve our income, increase the squad a little bit and bring in more experience, there’s no reason why we can’t be top ten.”  

Jake: 

• “It’s really important who we can retain — continuity is key, and I don’t feel we need a complete squad change. The boys we want to keep, other clubs want as well, and a lot of them had better offers last year but stayed because of the feel and fanbase.”  

• “We very rarely get our number one targets, and realistically we probably won’t have the team together until the last pre-season game. It sounds negative, but that’s the reality — first and foremost we need to do everything we can to retain those boys.” 

Q20: Can we have a proper go at a cup this year — even a local cup? 

Answer: 

Jake: 

• “There were a couple of questions about not focusing on the cup competitions, and that couldn’t have been further from the truth. The Hornchurch game in the Trophy — we were really depleted, and although it looked like we rested players, I can assure you we didn’t rest anyone.”  

• “We know how important cup competitions are to us — we go into every cup game looking to win it and we want to do well in the cups, not just use them to give squad players an opportunity.” 

Chairman – Closing Remarks 

“Just to say thank you for the questions — really useful, really intelligent. I hope we’ve answered them to your satisfaction. Please keep supporting us, we’re doing our very best and we’ll try to make things happen for the club going forward. 

As I’ve said, I am talking to people who will hopefully secure the club’s future, even when I’m gone. That’s my mindset — I’m not interested in anyone coming in who will change the culture or make a mess of it. I want someone who will really look after the club and take it forward. That’s my main objective over the next few years. 

To end, I’ve got full admiration for what the management team have done with limited resources this season. Don’t underestimate the work that’s gone in — it’s been absolutely phenomenal. We’ll try to build on the platform we’ve got and do a little bit better next year. 

Dover Athletic bring the curtain down on the 2025/26 next Saturday as Chesham United make the trip to the Megger Community Stadium for the final fixture of the campaign. With both sides having little riding on the result, the focus turns to finishing on a positive note and building momentum heading into the summer. Kick-off is at the earlier time of 12:30pm, with supporters also invited to remain after the final whistle as the club hosts its end-of-season awards presentation on the Centre Spot.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat at Maidenhead United in their final away game of the season. The hosts started strongly, but Gillmore made key early saves, while Clerima and Popoola went close for Dover. Sheriff was denied a penalty after being brought down, and the sides went in level at the break. The decisive moment came early in the second half, as Bartley converted from close range following a set-piece. Dover pushed for a response, seeing a goal ruled out for a foul and forcing late saves through Sodje and Baptiste, but Maidenhead held on to secure the points.

From the Management

“It’s the first fixture we’ve had in a while where there’s nothing riding on the game. We’ve been facing teams fighting to stay up or push for the play-offs, so hopefully next week we can show more desire than them and finish the season on a high.”

Chesham United

Chesham United were beaten 2–0 at home by Chelmsford City in the National League South. After a goalless first half at The Meadow, the visitors broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart through Tristan Abrahams. Chelmsford then doubled their advantage midway through the second half, with Jett Murphy finding the net on 69 minutes. Despite keeping things tight before the break, Chesham were unable to respond after falling behind, as Chelmsford controlled the second period to secure all three points.

Back in the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic earned a disciplined 1–0 victory over Chesham United at The Meadow to make it five wins on the bounce. Walker made key early saves, while Beadle produced vital defensive interventions to deny Minhas and clear danger. An injury to Nikaj saw Marjoram introduced, who made an immediate impact as Dover grew into the game. The decisive moment came on 69 minutes when Baptiste cut inside and fired goalwards, his effort taking a deflection to beat the goalkeeper. Chesham applied late pressure, but Dover held firm to secure another clean sheet and continue their strong run.

Last Six

Chesham United 1–2 Hornchurch (24 Mar, National League South)
Chesham United 1–0 Tonbridge (28 Mar, National League South)
Enfield 3–4 Chesham United (31 Mar, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead 0–3 Chesham United (3 Apr, National League South)
Bath City 4–2 Chesham United (11 Apr, National League South)
Chesham United 0–2 Chelmsford City (17 Apr, National League South)

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Chesham to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/

Megger Community Stadium. Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.

Admission  

Adults: £18
Concessions: £17
U18: £10
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.

Dover Athletic’s final away trip of the season ended in a narrow defeat in Berkshire, as a second-half set-piece proved the difference in a tight contest at York Road.

There were changes for the Whites heading into the game, with Gillmore coming in between the sticks for Walker, Sesay slotting in at left-back and Jallow returning to midfield.

The hosts started quickly, winning an early corner inside three minutes, before Gillmore was called into action almost immediately. Dillon De Silva fired an early effort on target, but the Dover stopper reacted sharply to keep it out.

Maidenhead dominated possession in the opening stages, working the ball well from a short corner routine, again finding De Silva, whose left-footed strike was comfortably dealt with by Gillmore. A patient spell followed for the hosts, who saw another header drift on target but without enough power to trouble the Dover goalkeeper.

Maidenhead continued their early pressure. A deep corner from Popoola was nodded down by Clerima, forcing a combination save from the goalkeeper and defender to deny the hosts. Soon after, a neat move involving Bartley and Mitchell-Lawson saw Popoola find space in the middle, but he couldn’t connect cleanly with his header.

Dover continued to probe, and a recycled set piece saw Wilkinson deliver to the back post, where Jones couldn’t quite stretch to convert. Gillmore was again called upon midway through the half, producing a solid save from a curling effort after Dover were dispossessed in midfield.

Dover grew into the contest as the half wore on. Nikaj’s pressing unsettled the Maidenhead defence, leading to a loose back pass that Sheriff chased, only to be taken out by the goalkeeper. Appeals for a penalty were waved away. Sheriff remained a threat, working space in the box before firing over from a tight angle.

A stronger spell for the Whites late in the half saw them enjoy more possession and territory, winning a corner that briefly threatened, although Maidenhead looked to break quickly on the counter before losing their footing at a crucial moment. The sides went in level at the break with the deadlock intact.

The decisive moment came five minutes into the second half. A free kick into the box caused problems, with de Havilland heading the ball down and Bartley reacting quickest to slide it into the net and give the hosts the lead.

Dover responded with changes, as Wilkinson and Jallow made way for Baptiste and Gurung just before the hour mark. The Whites looked to push forward, and Charles-Cook nearly found a way through after latching onto a lobbed pass, rounding the keeper before the danger was eventually dealt with.

Maidenhead continued to threaten on the break and from distance, with a deflected effort striking the crossbar before Gillmore produced an excellent save to tip a powerful effort from Mitchell-Lawson over the bar.

Further changes followed for Dover, with Sesay and Nikaj replaced by Onu and Sodje, as the visitors searched for a route back into the game.

Dover thought they had found an equaliser midway through the half after working the ball down the right and finishing well, but the referee ruled it out for a foul on van Stappershoef.

The pressure continued to build. Jones fired over from inside the box following a long throw, before Sodje forced a strong save from distance, the Maidenhead keeper reacting well to push the effort over the bar.

Baptiste also had a late sight of goal as Dover pushed forward in the closing stages, but the hosts managed the game well, keeping possession in the corner during stoppage time to run down the clock.

After seven added minutes, the full-time whistle confirmed a narrow defeat for the Whites, who can take encouragement from a competitive display despite coming away empty-handed.

Dover Athletic return to the Megger Community Stadium next Saturday for their final game of the season against Chesham.

Dover Athletic XI:
27 Gillmore, 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 4 Jones, 6 Cocoracchio, 3 Sesay, 22 Jallow, 23 Wilkinson, 25 Hanson (C), 11 Sheriff, 10 Nikaj

Subs: Baptiste, Boakye-Sarfo, Sodje, Gurung, Onu, Mensah, Agbebi

Maidenhead United XI:
22 van Stappershoef, 2 Bartley, 3 Ragguette, 4 de Havilland (C), 7 De Silva, 8 Yearwood, 11 Mitchell-Lawson, 12 Robinson, 15 Umerah, 20 Clerima, 23 Popoola

Subs: Browne, Welch-Hayes, Pritchard, Cochrane, Odelusi, Barratt, Dundas

Dover Athletic Football Club will be hosting a Fans’ Forum on Tuesday 21st April at the Megger Community Stadium, starting at 7pm.

Supporters are invited to join Chairman Jim Parmenter and the club’s management team for an open and honest discussion about the current season and the direction of the club.

The forum provides an opportunity for fans to ask questions, share their views and hear directly from those leading the club both on and off the pitch.

We encourage all supporters to attend and be part of the conversation.