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.