Archives: News

SUPPORT ENGLAND WHILE SUPPORTING YOUR CLUB

Join your fellow Dover Athletic fans in the Centre Spot to cheer on the Three Lions in the European Championship on the big screen.

We are screening each of England’s three group games, starting with the opener against Croatia this Sunday 13th June.

The game kicks off at 2pm and the bar will be open from 1pm.

Entry is £10 per person and that includes your first drink.

There will also be hot bar snacks available.

You can pay at the door and if you are interested in coming along, please email [email protected] so we can plan seating, food, and anything else to arrange for your needs and comfort.

England faces Scotland on Friday 18th June (8pm) followed by a clash with the Czech Republic on Tuesday 22nd (8pm).

ELDER EXCITED TO EXTEND WHITES STAY

FORWARDS READY TO FIRE

Whoever wins the bidding to play in goal for the supporters’ teams against Manager Andy Hessenthaler’s Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble on August 8th could be in for a busy afternoon!!

Our former forwards Adam Birchall, Frannie Collin, Matt Carruthers, and Nathan Elder are all coming back to play …

They will be joined by James Strouts, Craig Stone, Craig Cloke, Lee Shearer, Sammy Moore, Connor Essam, and James Rogers.

The match, which kicks-off at 1pm, will also see Hess and Nicky Southall return to the playing field.

More players will be revealed over the coming week, 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 need to bid on what team they would like to play for, first or second half, and what position they want to play.

Bidding starts at £50 and included in that price will be your official match shirt – a replica, regular fit, blue Kappa one – which you will keep.

Goalkeepers will also get an official shirt too.

If anyone would like to be the manager for the supporters’ teams on the day and sit in the dugout etc, they can bid on that too!

In order to submit a bid, simply email [email protected] with your maximum bid amount, shirt size, position you want to play, which half, and the best contact number you can be reached on.

If you are outbid, we will contact you.

Don’t delay, bid today as we have already had a great response to play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sammy Moore, Connor Essam, and James Rogers are all making comebacks for Dover Athletic!!

Well, for 90 minutes they will be.

Our former players are going to be playing for Manager Andy Hessenthaler’s Invitational XI in the fundraising match against a supporters squad at Crabble on Sunday, August 8th.

The match, which also sees Hess and Nicky Southall return to the playing field, will kick-off at 1pm.

More players will be revealed over the coming weeks, 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 bid on what team they would like to play for, and what position they want to play.

Bidding starts at £50 and included in that price will be your official match shirt – a replica blue Kappa one – which you keep.

Goalkeepers will also get an official shirt too.

If anyone would like to be the manager for the supporters’ teams on the day and sit in the dugout etc, they can bid on that too!

In order to submit a bid, simply email [email protected] with your maximum bid amount, shirt size, and the best contact number you can be reached on.

If you are outbid, we will contact you.

Bidding closes at 5pm on July 16th so don’t delay – bid today!

 

LEGEND SAYS THANKS FOR SUPPORT

Dover Athletic legend David Leworthy has thanked well-wishers after the news earlier this week that our former striker has recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer and will be having a growth removed on Monday.

Leworthy, 58, sent club photographer Simon Harris the following message:

“Please pass on a big thank you to everyone connected with Dover Athletic Football Club for their lovely messages and words of support during this difficult time.

“I look forward to seeing everybody at Crabble at some point in the near future for sure, COYW!!.”

Leworthy scored 86 goals in just 152 starts for Dover during his four years with the club and was voted our best ever player on the club forum in 2011.

Sending strength and best wishes to David for his recovery, from all of us here at the club.

 

FUNDRAISING LATEST

As a club would like to reiterate that we are extremely grateful for each and every one of the continued donations being made to all the various fundraising events done for us.

The Dover Athletic Supporters Club continues to raise money and donate on a regular basis while the JustGiving page initiated by James Pearce in April has raised a terrific £7,552 as of today.

The JustGiving page link is here

And less than 24 hours after being published on this website, 12 people have already submitted their bids to play for the supporters’ team in the fundraising game against manager Andy Hessenthaler’s Invitational team at Crabble on August 8th.

You can find out how to play HERE

We would like to thank you all for your continued support.

COYW!!

DAVID LEWORTHY: A TRUE WHITES LEGEND

STAY STRONG LEGEND

Everyone at Dover Athletic sends their support and best wishes to David Leworthy and his family as our former striker and club legend battles illness.

Leworthy scored 86 goals in just 152 starts for Dover during his four years with the club and was voted our best ever player on the club forum in 2011.

The 58-year-old’s son Craig posted on social media on Wednesday, explaining the situation, saying his father has recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer and will have a growth removed on Monday.

The club would like to reiterate our heartfelt best wishes to David and his family.

 

 

 

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MOORE IN AT DOVER

BID TO PLAY AGAINST HESS AND CO

Sammy Moore, Connor Essam, and James Rogers are all making comebacks for Dover Athletic!!

Well, for 90 minutes they will be.

Our former players are going to be playing for Manager Andy Hessenthaler’s Invitational XI in the fundraising match against a supporters squad at Crabble on Sunday, August 8th.

The match, which also sees Hess and Nicky Southall return to the playing field, will kick-off at 1pm.

More players will be revealed over the coming weeks, 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 bid on what team they would like to play for, and what position they want to play.

Bidding starts at £50 and included in that price will be your official match shirt – a replica blue Kappa one – which you keep.

Goalkeepers will also get an official shirt too.

If anyone would like to be the manager for the supporters’ teams on the day and sit in the dugout etc, they can bid on that too!

In order to submit a bid, simply email [email protected] with your maximum bid amount, shirt size, and the best contact number you can be reached on.

If you are outbid, we will contact you.

Bidding closes at 5pm on July 16th so don’t delay – bid today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMY STARLET SIGNS PRO CONTRACT

Dover Athletic Football Club is delighted to announce that Academy defender Will Moses has signed his first professional deal with the club.

The 18-year-old made two National League appearances for Manager Andy Hessenthaler’s side last season, making his debut away at Stockport County last October.

Hessenthaler said he was delighted for the Whitstable teenager to get this opportunity.

He said: “I’m a firm believer in giving young players a chance and Will has impressed on and off the field since I first met him.

“Will is an exciting prospect and has lots of good attributes – he’s big, strong, and mobile.

“I am looking forward to working with him and seeing how he progresses as I think he has a bright future in the game.”

Hessenthaler also took time to praise the work of the Academy Manager Mike Sandmann (pictured right) after Moses put pen-to-paper.

“All credit to Mike and his staff – they do a fantastic job producing players like Will.

“The work they are doing at the Academy is first class and we need to ensure that we can continue to work with them and show the youngsters who are a part of it that there is a pathway to senior football with us.

“Will has worked hard to get here so I hope his signing is a real example for others to follow.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUN IN THE SUN

Thirty-one young players were put through their paces during a two-hour coaching session with Dover Athletic Manager Andy Hessenthaler at Crabble on Tuesday.

The youngsters, who were aged between 14-16, got an insight into what life is like as a player under Hess as he, together with Dover Athletic Academy Manager Mike Sandmann, went through a variety of training drills with them.

Dover Athletic goalkeeper Josh Bexon and Ryan Hanson, a midfielder, who spent time on loan with us from Championship side Hull City earlier this season, and Academy defender Will Moses, also spent time with the youngsters.

The attendees were also given a tour of the changing rooms and a ball each.

Hessenthaler said it had been time well spent. “It was all about giving these youngsters from the local community the chance to come along, play on the pitch and it will hopefully help their development as young footballers.

“It went really well and I hope they gained something from his very worthwhile session – they all seemed to enjoy it!

“I was absolutely delighted to be able to help and I look forward to doing some more sessions in the future.”

 

 

 

HESS OFFERS SECOND CHANCE

When a player gets released from an EFL club, it often feels as though their professional footballing dream is done and dusted – manager Andy Hessenthaler fully understands the hurt that can bring.

However, the Dover Athletic boss wants to prove that is not always the case and show that there is still a life in the game for someone whose been shown the door further up the footballing pyramid by hosting an invitational-only trial match on June 2nd.

Hessenthaler said: “It’s never easy letting players got but unfortunately that’s part of the job and part of making decisions for the club you are employed as a manager.

“Football is a tough, tough business and it can be very cruel at times – that’s why I want to see if we can give anyone a second chance now.

“A lot of players call Kent home, so this is an ideal time for them, or anyone else keen to make the move to the south-east, to come along and show me what they’ve got and what they are about before the summer break.

“I can’t make any promises, but they will all get the chance to impress, and who knows, if they have the desire, hunger and ability to bounce back from getting released, well, this could be a perfect opportunity for them.

“I know that this is different to how its been done in the past, but we need to explore new ways of bringing players into the club and this is one such initiative – it is about being proactive.

“I look forward to hearing from those keen to get this chance.”

If you want to take part in the game, please send your playing CV to [email protected]

It needs to include information such as; date of birth, contact number, email address, playing position, and clubs previously played for.

If invited to trial, we will make contact with you and send you all the details.

 

 

 

 

 

PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

We are now in a position to confirm a number of pre-season fixtures in preparation for the  2021/22 season.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler and his players will open the new season against Ashford United at Crabble on July 17 at 3pm.

Ticket details for our home games and further friendlies will be confirmed in due course.

SCHEDULE:

July 17th Ashford United (home) at 3pm

July 20th Deal Town (away) at 7.30pm

July 24th Folkestone (home) at 3pm

July 31st Ebbsfleet United (home) at 3pm

August 3rd Whitstable Town (away) at 7.30pm

August 7th Tonbridge Angels (away) at 3pm