Archives: News

Whites Welcome Duo

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signings of Jeremiah Gyebi and Harrison Pont.

Jerry Gyebi played 36 times in the National League South for Hungerford in 22/23, scoring twice, although he was not able to help them survive the drop. Prior to joining the Berkshire side, he enjoyed a successful spell with Enfield Town, where he played 44 times over two seasons. Jerry has also played abroad in Slovenia and Sweden, as well as playing more recently for Dulwich Hamlet and Hastings United

Speaking on Gyebi, Jake Leberl has said:

Jeremiah is a giant of man, a lad that has had a taste of step 2 football previously and done very well, he had a difficult season last year and wanted a club and environment to help kick start his career to fulfil his ambition. He is someone we tried to get in last year to be a dominant force in both boxes, he is someone that wants to be here for the challenge ahead and we are really looking forward to working with him. 

Jake Leberl

22 year old Harrison Pont played youth football for Gillingham before joining the Dover Athletic Academy. Harrison has also played for Herne Bay, Hollands & Blair, Margate, Sittingbourne and Canterbury City.

and on Pont, Jake has said:

Harrison is a product of our own Academy and is a Kent based boy who’s gone off and done very well in men’s football, having a great season with Herne Bay last season and now wants the challenge to push onwards with his career. He is a midfield lad that will give everything for the team and club and has a solid all round game, we look forward to seeing him progress with us. 

Jake Leberl

We welcome both players to Crabble!

Preseason Schedule Update

We have had some recent updates to our preseason schedule. With England advancing to the Quarterfinals of the Euros, our preseason friendly away against Sevenoaks Town FC will now kick off at 1pm.

Our game at home to Ashford United will now be against Lancing FC due to Ashford’s involvement in the FA Cup.

A full schedule of games can be found below.

The schedule:
Saturday 6 July, 1pm – Sevenoaks FC (A)
Tuesday 9 July, 7.45pm – Margate FC (A)
Saturday 13 July, 12pm – Ramsgate FC (H)

Sunday 14 July, 4.30pm – Fans Invitational (H)
Tuesday 16 July, 7.45pm – Whitstable Town (A)
Saturday 20 July, 3pm – Welling United (H)
Saturday 27 July, 3pm – Tonbridge Angels (H)
Saturday 3 August, 3pm – Lancing FC (H)

Home pre-season games will be priced at £8 for adults, £6 for concessions, U11s FREE with a paying adult, free entry for 24/25 Season Ticket Holders.

ROMAN CHARLES-COOK SIGNS FOR 24/25

Dover Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce that Roman Charles-Cook has agreed terms to remain at the Megger Community Stadium for the 2024/25 season.

Roman made 32 appearances in a White shirt last season, scoring 3 goals.

Roman Charles-Cook joined us last season from League 2 side Sutton United’s academy after having two loan spells last season at Cray Wanderers and Harrow Borough. Roman has also made 3 senior international appearances with Grenada.

Manager Jake Leberl has said:

We are really excited to have kept Roman, he had opportunities from above but choose to stay with us and believes in the rebuild. With John Oyenuga moving on to pastures new he’ll have the opportunity to stamp his authority on the coming season. Roman has all the attributes to really push on with his career all whilst helping Dover to stabilise and help get us back on the up. We are looking forward to being part of Roman’s progression this season.

Jake Leberl


We still have some spaces left for those interested in playing in our Fans Invitational game at Crabble on Sunday 14 July, 4:30pm. In order to play, simply email [email protected] with your shirt size, and the best contact number you can be reached on.

Nominate a Young Fan

We have had a kind donation, from Matt Gerrard, of a spot in our Supporters Invitational Game and we want YOU to nominate a young fan to play. We are looking for a fan, aged 17-23 who deserves the chance to grace the Crabble pitch. Simply email [email protected] to make your suggestion, the winning fan (picked at random) will be announced at the end of the week.

We still have some spaces left for those interested in playing at Crabble on Sunday 14 July, 4:30pm. In order to play, simply email [email protected] with your shirt size, and the best contact number you can be reached on. Fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation and we will be screening the Euros Final in the Centre Spot after the game.

Players for Jake’s team include: Paul Hyde, Matt Carruthers, Roy Godden, James Rogers and our youth team coaches. More players will be revealed soon.

Chairman Interview

Watch the full interview here – https://youtu.be/BIKqo_Y4GeQ

Jim Parmenter wants Dover Athletic to start putting smiles back on the fans’ faces again.

The chairman took time out of preparing for a new campaign to speak to fans in an in-depth interview with The Sun’s chief EFL writer and lifelong Dover fan Justin Allen.

In the chat, Jim speaks about:

  • The new community direction the club are now taking
  • How much the two relegations in three seasons have hurt and what he and the club have learned
  • The club’s recovery from Covid
  • His admiration for clubs like former Dover player’s Crawley Town, who won promotion to League One despite not having a huge budget 
  • Why the club are not going to sign experienced journeymen players who are only interested in money and instead ones that want to play for Dover to improve the team and their own careers
  • Explains why Crabble will be a cashless stadium this season but allays any concerns from supporters who prefer to spend hard money at the ground
  • How he is still hoping to build a 4G pitch next to Crabble and looking at other possibilities in the area
  • His wish to grow girls’ football thanks to the hard work of Vikki Pawley and further improve the youth section
  • The club’s superb relationship with main club sponsor Megger and gratitude that Delivered News are on board again this coming season
  • His desire to see a football regulator appointed as soon as possible after the General Election to police football fairly so small clubs like Dover don’t get thrown by the wayside like they were during the pandemic
  • The club’s decision to reduce admission fees and his wish to see the 200 Club lottery draw grow

    Also in the 25-minute feature, recorded in the home dressing room at Crabble, Jim speaks about the team’s brand new home and away kits for the upcoming season.

    And he also assures supporters that his enthusiasm and passion for Dover Athletic has not been drained one bit – and now he is retired from his business he has more time to dedicate to helping the club grow.

    The Whites chairman also tells Justin that there will be many more signings in the coming weeks.

    He said: “Everyone thinks they are Ronaldo in June but then in July they become more reasonable — or at least agents think their players are.

    “We’ll be solid this season, we’ll be positive and I think we’ll do very well.”

Good Luck Freddie

The club can confirm that midfielder Freddie Oliver has rejected a contract for the 24/25 season and is instead taking up the offer of a football scholarship at Tiffin University in Ohio, USA and will play for the Tiffin Dragons.

A graduate of the Dover Athletic Academy, Freddie Oliver was brought into the first team squad in 2022/23. Oliver made his debut in the 1-0 win away against Taunton Town in the February of 2023 and was then named in the Kent Sport Online Team of the Week following his robust performance.

Freddie has said:

I received a really good football scholarship so opted to take it, I’d like to thank Jake and Mike for everything they’ve done for me this season and everyone at the club. I wish the club and the fans all the best for the coming season. Cheers, Freddie

Freddie Oliver

The club can also confirm that the following players have rejected contract offers for the new season:

Bailey Akehurst
John Oyenuga
Jacob Mensah

FANS FUNDRAISING INVITATIONAL

Former players and current staff are going to be playing for Manager Jake Leberl’s Invitational XI in a fundraising match against a supporters squad at Crabble on Sunday 14 July with a 4:30pm kick off. The Euros final will be live in the Centre Spot after the game.

Players for Jake’s team will be revealed over the coming days, and if you are keen to play against them, here’s how to do it.

Two teams of supporters will play – one in the first half before the other plays the second, meaning 22 spots are available for anyone aged 17 and over.

Those interested in playing will pay £50. Included in that price will be a selection of DAFC merchandise, food and refreshments on the day and of course the chance to grace the hallowed Crabble pitch. All funds raised will go directly back into the football club. First come (+paid!), first served!

If anyone would like to be the manager for the supporters’ teams on the day and sit in the dugout, they can pay for that too – we also have the referees position up for grabs!

In order to play, simply email [email protected] with your shirt size, and the best contact number you can be reached on. Fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation.

New VIP Advertising Package

Are you a business owner and want to support the Whites?

Check out our new VIP Platinum Package which includes a 3m pitch-side advertising hoarding and access to our premium lounge. This VIP Business package includes:

  • Ground admission for eight people in our hosted lounge with TV.
  • Perimeter 3m advertising board to your specification for one season (including cost of manufacture and installation).
  • A table of eight for three course lunch pregame served at your table.
  • Dedicated bar.
  • Complimentary tea and coffee.
  • Complimentary programme and team sheet.
  • Reserved high level premium padded seating.
  • All for £999 plus VAT

For more information please email [email protected] or phone the office on 01304 822373

There are also numerous opportunities to advertise your company on a much bigger scale or sponsor a stand or even a building at Crabble football ground. For more information and to discuss options please contact the football club. You can find a full list of commercial opportunities and hospitality options on the menu at the top of our website.

LUKE BAPTISTE SIGNS FOR 24/25

Dover Athletic Football Club are delighted to announce that midfielder Luke Baptiste has agreed terms to remain at the Megger Community Stadium for the 2024/25 season.

Luke is a product of the Dover Athletic Academy and made his first team debut during the 21/22 season in the National League and has since made 100 competitive appearances for the Whites. Luke scored 3 goals last season including in our final game of the season against Yeovil Town.

Assistant Manager and Academy Boss Mike Sandmann has said:

We are really pleased that Luke has agreed to stay for another season. Coming through the Academy and watching his development has been pleasing, especially reaching the 100 games milestone. Luke has also come on board with the Academy staff so having him around our current Academy group will be important, he is the perfect role model for our upcoming potential first team players

Mike Sandmann

Baptiste himself has said:

I’m excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to get back out there in front of the fans.

Luke Baptiste

There is still time to purchase your season ticket with our early bird discount, you can order your 2024/25 season ticket from reception at Crabble, online at our club shop, or download an application form by clicking here.

Can you help get Crabble ready?

With a new season rapidly approaching, the club is looking for volunteers to help get Crabble ready for the kick-off.

The clean-up takes place between 12pm and 4pm on Sat 29 and Sun 30 Jun.

Food and refreshments will be provided. Jobs will be general tidying up/weeding, painting, cleaning etc.

So, if you are able to give us a helping hand, meet in the Centre Spot and/or contact [email protected] via email to register your interest or for more information.

All assistance will be greatly appreciated.