Archives: News

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 richard.harvey@doverathletic.com 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 richard.harvey@doverathletic.com

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

 

THANK YOU ONE AND ALL

We as a club would like to reiterate that we are extremely grateful for ALL the fundraising done for us whether it be as an individual, business, or groups such as The Dover Athletic Supporters Club or The Friends of Dover Athletic – you have all been fantastic!!
 
So, we would again like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every person who has donated, spread the word about all the various campaigns, stood with a collection bucket in hand, or simply supported and encouraged those helping us.
 
Your passion and determination to keep our club alive will never be forgotten.

FUNDRAISING APPEAL UPDATE

Contributions continue to be made to a fundraising appeal initiated by one of our fans, James Pearce.

James started a JustGiving page in April after the club was given a 12-point deduction for next season and fined £40,000 for not fulfilling fixtures by an independent panel commissioned by the National League.

As of today, a fantastic £6,285 has been raised and we as a club are really appreciative of each and every donation that has been made.

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

The JustGiving page link is here

COYW!!

MASTERCLASS FULL

Manager Andy Hessenthaler’s junior coaching session at Crabble on June 1st is now completely full less than a day after being advertised.

If you would like your child to be put on the waiting list please email richard.harvey@doverathletic.com

Many thanks for your tremendous support of the event for boys and girls, aged between 14-16.

Due to the popularity of the event, another session for another age group is being planned, so please keep checking in with this website.

 

 

COACHING MASTERCLASS

Andy Hessenthaler will be giving young players the chance to experience what it’s like to train as a professional with him during a coaching session at Crabble on June 1st.

The Dover Athletic Manager will be joined by Dover Athletic Academy Manager Mike Sandmann in offering youngsters, both boys and girls, aged between 14-16 the chance to come along and learn during a two-hour quality session from 10am until noon.

An opportunity to train with Academy is an incentive for any aspiring young player who impresses on the day.

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, will also be on hand to help and give advice.

Hanson started playing football for Dover Rangers when he was six and has also represented Dover District, Kent, and spent five years with Crystal Palace.

Hessenthaler said: “I’m really keen to get involved and this is a great way to help players improve their game while giving something back to the community.

“I’m really looking forward to working with them and hopefully I will be able to do another coaching session for a younger age group in the future too.”

The cost of the coaching session is £20 and all money raised goes to the club.

Numbers will be strictly limited, with only 30 places available – so don’t miss out!

To register your interest and book your spot please email richard.harvey@doverathletic.com, including your child’s name, age, club team, and a contact number.

Places will be subject to availability and are only guaranteed upon receipt of full payment via a bank transfer to the club account (details will be sent by email).

 

 

 

 

MAKE IT A DATE

It has been a busy few days, so please get your diaries out and take note of some of the first few events we’ve arranged.
Full details of all three events will be available on this website in due course.
We can’t wait to welcome you all back home to Crabble soon.
1st  June: Junior coaching session with Manager Andy Hessenthaler
3rd  July: Social night in The Centre Spot so we can all get back together with some musical entertainment and basket food
8th  August: Fundraising Football match at Crabble between Andy Hessenthaler’s invitational XI and a Supporters XI
Plenty more events are being planned and will be shared with you as soon as we have confirmed all the details.