Category: Community News

Community News

HESS READY TO TACKLE FANS

Manager Andy Hessenthaler was a tough competitor in his playing days.

Those fans game enough to play against him and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble on Sunday will discover the Gaffer hasn’t lost his competitive spirit.

Hessenthaler’s squad of former Dover stars will take on two teams of supporters managed by Warren ‘Pep’ Dyer.

One of Dyer’s teams will play in the first half before the other plays in the second.

Hessenthaler, who will be the player/manager of his side,  said he was certainly up for the challenge.

“Friendly is it? I don’t know the meaning of that,” he laughed.

“Seriously though, we’re all really looking forward to the day – it should be a great one with some of the greatest names to have played for the club returning to what was familiar territory during their playing days.

“It’s fantastic that all these lads are coming back to support the club when we need it.

“What is important is that it continues to help engage us as a football club back into the community and the community back into the football club.

“To build those close relationships is really important. The importance of a football club on its community is massive, it’s huge and something I believe in.

“I look forward to seeing as many fans, both old and new, as possible on Sunday.”

You can see the message Hessenthaler sent to his fans counterpart Warren Dyer and his players Hess message

The match kicks off at 1pm and fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation.

The Centre Spot will also be open from 11am and a playing shirt signed by the Hess XI will be raffled on the day.

Hessenthaler’s squad includes:

Jon Wallis, Lee Browning, Tom Wynter, Adam Birchall, Frannie Collin, Matt Carruthers, Nathan Elder, James Strouts, Craig Stone, Lee Shearer, Sammy Moore, Connor Essam, Nicky Southall, and James Rogers.

Dyer’s squads are:

First half: Dan Fletcher (GK), Andy Rolfe, Jack Arrowsmith, Bradley Bough, Nathan Charlton, Michael Pott, Jamie Parsons, John Matthews, Frazer Duncan, Jason Scoble, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.

Second half: Andrew Belson (GK), John McNicoll, Tom Mears, Ian Sullivan, Brad Shrewsbury, Charlie Brown, Nick Elms, Jamie Parsons, Brendan Ulyatt, Jay Parks, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.

WARREN TO GIVE FANS ‘PEP’ TALK

Pep Guardiola will be in the opposite dugout to Andy Hessenthaler when supporters tackle our manager and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble this Sunday.

Well, not quite the Manchester City manager – Dover’s own version … Warren Dyer.

The lifelong Whites fan was the winning bidder to go head-to-head with Hess in the event and he’s really looking forward to the experience.

He said: “It’s going to be absolutely fantastic. I’d love to be playing, but those days are well behind me, so doing this job is the next best thing.

“I’ve been addicted to the club since my dad first took me to a game in 1981 and I’d do anything to help raise money for it – that’s why I bid.

“It’s a chance of a lifetime to be on the touchline and to see those legends I used to watch from the terraces play from close range.

“I cannot wait.”

But does Dyer have any previous managerial experience?

“Well, I am a manager at Asda and I’ve played plenty of Football Manager on the computer,” he laughed.

“It’s going to be fun pitting my knowledge against Hess!

Dyer suffered a couple of setbacks in his preparations this week with a couple of players pulling out through illness.

However, Muj Aspendos has stepped in with his two brothers, Nick and Nich, to play and the trio has donated £500 to the cause, taking the tally raised to almost £3000.

The referee, James Crascall, is also a lifelong Dover fan who will make the trip from Portsmouth to take charge – he’s also donated money for the occasion.

The match kicks off at 1pm and fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation.

The Centre Spot will also be open from 11am and a playing shirt signed by the Hess XI will be raffled on the day.

Dyer’s squads are:

First half: Dan Fletcher (GK), Andy Rolfe, Jack Arrowsmith, Bradley Bough, Nathan Charlton, Michael Pott, Jamie Parsons, John Matthews, Frazer Duncan, Jason Scoble, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.

Second half: Andrew Belson (GK), John McNicoll, Tom Mears, Ian Sullivan, Brad Shrewsbury, Charlie Brown, Nick Elms, Jamie Parsons, Brendan Ulyatt, Jay Parks, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.

Hessenthaler’s squad includes:

Jon Wallis, Lee Browning, Tom Wynter, Adam Birchall, Frannie Collin, Matt Carruthers, Nathan Elder, James Strouts, Craig Stone, Lee Shearer, Sammy Moore, Connor Essam, Nicky Southall, and James Rogers.

 

 

 

 

MATCH PREVIEW: DOVER ATHLETIC VS FOLKESTONE INVICTA

Dover welcomes neighbours Folkestone Invicta to Crabble tomorrow as preparations for the start of the new season continue.

Andy Hessenthaler’s men have had a good start to their pre-season campaign, scoring seven goals in victories against Ashford United and Deal Town.

Returning striker Ricky Miller has three of those seven goals and will be looking to add more as he looks to get ready for the new season.

The game could also see goalkeeper Adam Parkes get some minutes after joining on a season-long loan from Watford.

Tomorrow’s visitors start their season a week before Dover, and are deeper into their pre-season campaign. Thus far, they have played all their games at home, with this game being their first away from Cheriton Road.

Invicta’s record have been impressive and are currently unbeaten after five games, with a 3-3 draw against Eastbourne Borough sandwiched in between wins against Ramsgate, Welling United, Chatham Town and Hythe Town.

Last Meeting 

12th September 2020 – Folkestone Invicta 0 – 0 Dover Athletic

Admission Details 

Free for season ticket holders

Adults – £10

Concessions – £5

Under 11 – Free with paying adult

Details on prices for the rest of our home pre-season games can be found here – https://doverathletic.com/news/pre-season-friendly-prices/ 

Upcoming Pre-Season Fixtures 

24th July – Dover Athletic VS Folkestone Invicta (3:00pm)

26th July – K Sports FC VS Dover Athletic (7pm)

31st July – Dover Athletic VS Stevenage (12:00pm)

3rd August – Whitstable Town VS Dover Athletic (7:30pm)

6th August – Dover Athletic VS Watford (7:30pm)

7th August – Tonbridge Angels VS Dover Athletic (3:00pm)

AUDIO: ANDY HESSENTHALER

FANS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

We are delighted to say that we received an overwhelming response from supporters wanting to play against Manager Andy Hessenthaler and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble on August 8th.

Two teams of supporters will play – one in the first half before the other plays the second and emails to all those playing were sent out yesterday (Thursday).

Those playing were the ones whose bids were the best we received before bidding closed on July 16th.

As part of their winning bid, players will get to keep their official match shirt – a replica, regular fit, blue Kappa one.

The two goalkeepers will also keep their match shirts, while we will also be providing shorts and socks for all players too.

Hessenthaler, who will be the player/manager of his side,  said he was it was great to see so many fans get behind the initiative.

“The response has been absolutely terrific to be fair – we’ve even got a referee who bid to take charge!!

“We’d like to thank everyone for what has been a tremendous show of support for this game and belief in what we are doing at the club.

“There is a really good rapport between the players, the staff, and the fans, showing we are all in this situation together and this game is a great way for us all to get together as a community on a fun day.

“I am really looking forward to the day.”

The match kicks off at 1pm and fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation.

The Centre Spot will also be open.

Hessenthaler’s squad includes:

Jon Wallis, Lee Browning, Tom Wynter, Adam Birchall, Frannie Collin, Matt Carruthers, Nathan Elder, James Strouts, Craig Stone, Lee Shearer, Sammy Moore, Connor Essam, Nicky Southall, and James Rogers.

MATCH PREVIEW: DEAL TOWN VS DOVER

Whites are on the road for the first time in their pre-season campaign as they travel to Deal Town this evening, looking to continue preparations for the new season.

Andy Hessenthaler’s men started their pre-season in fine form, putting four past Ashford United thanks to a double from Ricky Miller and a spectacular finish by James Caton in the first half before Aaron Cosgrave completed the scoring in the second half.

Hessenthaler looks set to continue to look at trialists this evening to help bolster the squad after using two separate sides last Saturday, both including a mixture of contracted players and players on trial at the club.

Our hosts this evening are deep into their pre-season schedule, with tonight’s match being their final game at The Charles Ground until their season opener against Chatham Town on 31st July.

They have been impressive in their pre-season, scoring 21 goals in their 5 games, which includes 3-0, 5-0, 6-0, and 6-1 victories over Hythe Town, New Romney, Hawkinge and Lydd Town respectively. They have also had a 1-1 draw against Whitstable Town.

Admission Details

Adults – £5

Concessions – £3

Gates as well as the bar will be open from 6.30pm.

Last Meeting 

3rd July 2018 – Deal Town 1 – 5 Dover Athletic

Upcoming Pre-Season Fixtures

20th July – Deal Town VS Dover Athletic (7:30pm)

24th July – Dover Athletic VS Folkestone Invicta (3:00pm)

26th July – K Sports FC VS Dover Athletic (7:45pm)

31st July – Dover Athletic VS Stevenage (12:00pm)

3rd August – Whitstable Town VS Dover Athletic (7:30pm)

6th August – Dover Athletic VS Watford (7:30pm)

7th August – Tonbridge Angels VS Dover Athletic (3:00pm)

MATCH PREVIEW – DOVER VS ASHFORD UNITED

We start our pre-season campaign this afternoon when we welcome Ashford United to Crabble.

Whites haven’t played a game since their 3-1 defeat to Yeovil in January, but with the new season now approaching, attention will turn to the future as match fitness will be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler will be looking to give minutes to the seven new signings already announced as well as a number of trialists as he looks to build a squad ready to face Solihull Moors in our opening game of the National League season at Crabble on August.21st.

Today’s visitors kicked off their pre-season campaign last weekend with a 5-1 victory away at Rochester United.

Not only will this kick-off Whites’ pre-season campaign, but it will also be the first time we have had fans at Crabble since March 2020.

Admission details

Season ticket holders will be able to gain access to the ground for free, whilst it’s £5 for adults

Under 11’s are free if they are accompanied by a paying adult.

COVID-19 restrictions remain in place at Crabble, so if you plan on attending the game please adhere to the following: 

  • Please use the hand sanitiser points around the ground during your visit
  • Please maintain social distancing and wear a face-covering when you are moving around the ground at all times unless you are exempt
  • Seats that can be only used have been marked with a green tick
  • The Centre Spot will only be offering table service
  • Please DO NOT attend the game if you or someone else in your household has COVID-19 symptoms

Whites’ Upcoming Pre-Season Fixtures

  • 17th July – Dover Athletic VS Ashford United (3:00pm)
  • 20th July – Deal Town VS Dover Athletic (7:30pm)
  • 24th July – Dover Athletic VS Folkestone Invicta (3:00pm)
  • 26th July – K Sports FC VS Dover Athletic (7:45pm)
  • 31st July – Dover Athletic VS Stevenage (12:00pm)
  • 3rd August – Whitstable Town VS Dover Athletic (7:30pm)
  • 6th August – Dover Athletic VS Watford (7:30pm)
  • 7th August – Tonbridge Angels VS Dover Athletic (3:00pm)

PHIZZ TEAM UP WITH US

Dover Athletic Football Club is delighted to announce that we have secured a two-year sponsorship for Phizz to be our official hydration partner.

The London-based brand will supply us with their unique effervescent tablet, which is scientifically formulated to be the most comprehensive blend of hydration, vitamins, and minerals out there.

The tablets rapidly hydrate the body up to three times more than water, replaces the electrolytes lost through sweat, and delivers a wide range of vitamins and minerals essential to recovery and health.

One glass of Phizz contains as much vitamin C as three oranges, more potassium than a banana, and as much zinc as a 600g bag of spinach, along with 17 other vitamins and minerals.

Phizz currently supplies more than 50 football clubs throughout the world including Liverpool, Burnley, QPR, Leeds United, Norwich, Southampton, Barnsley, Fulham, and Stoke City.

We are proud to say that we are the only National League club to be welcomed into the Phizz family.

Dover Athletic Sponsor Relations Manager Richard Harvey said: “Hydration is such an important component in maintaining high levels of performance – staying hydrated is key to playing at your best.

“Phizz tablets will help ensure our players stay well hydrated during training and on match days.

“I have been a huge fan of Phizz products since they first came on the market, so I am thrilled they have now teamed up with us.”

Phizz Head of Sport Yasmin Badiani said: “We are proud to announce our new partnership with Dover Athletic Football Club and look forward to working together and supporting the team through the coming seasons.

“Our science-backed formula is designed to provide the most comprehensive blend of hydration, vitamins, and minerals to fuel athletes from amateur to pro.

“As a young, British brand Phizz supplies over 50 professional sport clubs across the U.K. and around the world, and this arrangement proudly marks our second in Kent.”

Phizz will also be sponsoring a brand-new Dover Athletic ‘Phizz Goal of the Month’ competition, where the club’s fans will have the opportunity to vote for their best effort from all the previous month’s on-field action.

The club will be widely promoting the competition across its social media channels every month.

For more information about Phizz, please visit their website HERE

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

It was heartbreaking at Wembley on Sunday, but Gareth Southgate’s England did us all proud, and so did you, our own Dover Athletic fans.

We just wanted to say a massive thank you to you all for supporting England while supporting us at the same time by coming along to watch all the action live on the big screens in the Centre Spot during this rollercoaster of emotions in Euro 2020 over the past month.

Thank you again for your fantastic support – it really is appreciated by us all at the club.

SHIRT DEADLINE RAPIDLY APPROACHING

Time is fast running out for your chance to secure yourself a place in our club history.

The deadline to purchase the exclusive, one-off 2021/22 season commemorative Supporters Shirt, which will proudly bear the names of all who purchase it sublimated into the fabric, is 5pm this Saturday, July 17.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler’s name and those of all his staff and players will also be on the shirt together with club officials alongside fans – we are all in this together!

The shirt is only available via pre-order for £50 from the CLUB SHOP and will not be available for general purchase.

We’ve had a fantastic response to the fundraising initiative, with almost 150 sold as of the time of writing.

Unfortunately, due to manufacturing timelines, we are unable to accept any orders received after this deadline.

The shirt is manufactured by local company, Ambition Sport, and is a regular fit with adult sizes from small to 4XL available.

The shirts will be available three to four weeks after the deadline.

Let’s do this Black and White Army !!

FINAL SOLD OUT!

Our screening of England’s European Championship final against Italy live from Wembley on the big screens in the Centre Spot on Sunday has now SOLD OUT.

Thank you to everyone who has booked to support the Three Lions in their first major tournament final since 1966 while supporting us as a club at the same time.

Come on England!

 

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