I HAVE been requested to put a few lines together for the website as perhaps my voice and that of the Trust have been a little quiet of late.

Some of this is due to the dreaded bug that hit the club recently that laid me low for a fair few days and also the huge amount of work that has been going on in the background to save our club.

It is with that issue that I would like to start – I must first of all thank all those that have contributed in any way to both the Fighting Fund and the Supporters Trust, the enthusiasm shown so far has both surprised and spurred everybody on. However the job is not as yet finished and we still have a way to go to ensuring the survival of the club that we all love.

I think at the moment we are in the midst of our darkest times both on and off the field, but with the spirit we have from everybody involved no matter how small or large that involvement may be we can come through this.

I do not intend to talk about on field matters as we have the team in place in Steve and Troy who are keeping you all up to date via their regular Forum updates, I must also at this point thank them and all connected with the playing staff for their efforts at this time in helping with the survival of the club by getting involved with a number of events including this Sunday’s match against the “Dover Old Boys” and a mixed “Supporters” side at the Hoverspeed Stadium which kicks off at 1.30pm. Please come along and support this event, I am sure there will be a laugh or two to be had.

Finally, it all boils down to one thing and that is meeting our target of £48k to see our club survive, even then we cannot rest on our laurels as we fight to pull clear of the relegation zone – Are we up for it? Of course we are.

Steve Cattermole has resigned as a director of Dover Athletic.

Steve has worked hard in his role on the board for the last couple of years and it is with regret that he has stepped down – as his presence in the boardroom will be sorely missed.

The club are delighted that he has agreed to stay on as company secretary.

Steve said: “The way one local newspaper reported the VAT bombshell made my position at the club untenable.

“Journalism was put in front of facts by a certain reporter but at least I did get the chance to put things straight in the Mercury last week.

“But my presence on the board, seeing as the club are appealing to the business community for help, could potentially be damaging for Dover Athletic. And I would never want to be a burden to this club.

“I am still a proud fan and Trust member – and will continue to be the company’s secretary.”

Steve made 21 voluntary disclosures to the VAT office and got 20 of them correct.

But the former Dover director admitted: “I have to take responsibility for the one mistake and that’s why I’m stepping down.”

I HAVE been requested to put a few lines together for the website as perhaps my voice and that of the Trust have been a little quiet of late.

Some of this is due to the dreaded bug that hit the club recently that laid me low for a fair few days and also the huge amount of work that has been going on in the background to save our club.

It is with that issue that I would like to start – I must first of all thank all those that have contributed in any way to both the Fighting Fund and the Supporters Trust, the enthusiasm shown so far has both surprised and spurred everybody on. However the job is not as yet finished and we still have a way to go to ensuring the survival of the club that we all love.

I think at the moment we are in the midst of our darkest times both on and off the field, but with the spirit we have from everybody involved no matter how small or large that involvement may be we can come through this.

I do not intend to talk about on field matters as we have the team in place in Steve and Troy who are keeping you all up to date via their regular Forum updates, I must also at this point thank them and all connected with the playing staff for their efforts at this time in helping with the survival of the club by getting involved with a number of events including this Sunday’s match against the “Dover Old Boys” and a mixed “Supporters” side at the Hoverspeed Stadium which kicks off at 1.30pm. Please come along and support this event, I am sure there will be a laugh or two to be had.

Finally, it all boils down to one thing and that is meeting our target of £48k to see our club survive, even then we cannot rest on our laurels as we fight to pull clear of the relegation zone – Are we up for it? Of course we are.

Steve Cattermole has resigned as a director of Dover Athletic.

Steve has worked hard in his role on the board for the last couple of years and it is with regret that he has stepped down – as his presence in the boardroom will be sorely missed.

The club are delighted that he has agreed to stay on as company secretary.

Steve said: “The way one local newspaper reported the VAT bombshell made my position at the club untenable.

“Journalism was put in front of facts by a certain reporter but at least I did get the chance to put things straight in the Mercury last week.

“But my presence on the board, seeing as the club are appealing to the business community for help, could potentially be damaging for Dover Athletic. And I would never want to be a burden to this club.

“I am still a proud fan and Trust member – and will continue to be the company’s secretary.”

Steve made 21 voluntary disclosures to the VAT office and got 20 of them correct.

But the former Dover director admitted: “I have to take responsibility for the one mistake and that’s why I’m stepping down.”

If enthusiasm, commitment and loyalty were the only ingredients of success – Dover Athletic would have no trouble in meeting its financial liabilities and every prospect of resolving its current problems and securing its future.

Because over the last couple of weeks the good people of Dover, from the casual supporter to the Club Chairman have clearly demonstrated the sort of whole hearted support that is so important to winning important campaigns.

I have to confess that if a man’s measure of support for his local club is judged merely by his number of attendances at matches then I would barely scrape into the casual supporter category and it’s no secret that my first love is rugby union, but having lived in River for the last 25 years and having witnessed the highs and lows of football in Dover I’d like to be considered a stakeholder and I’m pleased to be a long time member of your Supporters Club.

When the news of your financial difficulties first broke I let it be known that I would be pleased to help in any way I could and at the weekend I talked to Dover Town Centre Manager, Mike Webb who as you know is one of your Trustees, who is currently co-ordinating the rescue plan, and I offered to take Club’s case to Westminster and raise Dover’s plight on the floor of the House of Commons.

The complexities of Value Added Tax is one of the reasons why Dover Athletic is facing such large bills and it’s probably the critical factor threatening your future so I have agreed to make representations to Ministers and seek clarification of the rules that govern the sale of food and the degree of discretion the VAT collectors have to waive outstanding tax demands or to negotiate less onerous pay-back arrangements.

And to put all these matters under the spotlight I have asked Mr Speaker to allow me to hold a special debate on the floor of the House of Commons to air Dover’s plight and to invite a response from the Government.

It’s impossible to judge whether all your hard work and all your generous donations will be enough to save the Club of course and at this stage in the campaign I couldn’t better the wise words of Gazza when he famously said: “I never make predictions… and I never will.”

* Dover Athletic would like to thank Gwyn for his substantial personal donations this week to the Fighting Fund and Supporters Trust.

—————————————————–

WHAT THE OPPOSITION PARTIES SAY

CONSERVATIVES

Paul Watkins, Conservative candidate for Dover and Deal, has raised the financial crisis at Dover Athletic with Shadow Sports Minister and Kent MP Hugh Robertson.

Watkins said: “I hope Hugh will raise this matter in the Commons. It seems unfair that retrospective VAT rulings should bring down a fragile football club.

“This matter does not just affect Dover AFC but has implications for other small clubs who live hand to mouth and are supported by the generosity of local business people and Supporters Clubs.”

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Antony Hook is taking action to help save Dover Athletic. This weekend, Mr Hook was briefed by Fighting Fund co-organiser and Town Centre Manager Mike Webb.

Mr Hook said: “Mr Webb has told me on the club’s behalf that the current crisis that may
bring about the closure of Dover’s football club is two-fold. One aspect of it is the existing terms for re-payment of creditors, which the club was meeting well. The problem, they tell me, is the simultaneous bill for additional VAT.

“Mr Webb has told me that the club’s perilous cash-flow situation can be largely resolved by an extension of time to pay the outstanding VAT.

“VAT is the domain of Customs & Excise on behalf of HM Treasury. Both have wide legal discretion in deciding how speedily to pursue outstanding VAT debt.

“Dover Athletic is an important cultural facility in the same way as are local art galleries, museums, and cinemas. Without such places the community would be a social wasteland, in which fewer people could pursue non-work interests.

“It would not be in the overall public interest for Dover Athletic to close. That can be averted by Treasury discretion to delay collection of the club’s VAT and that is what I am fighting for.

“The club has been successful in recent years. It has contributed to growth in GDP and national tax revenues. That would be lost if the Treasury close the club over VAT. Given that the Chancellor’s forecasts for national revenue are not being met, which is probably the main problem in an otherwise reasonably sound economy, there is a clear long-term benefit for the Treasury to be pragmatic and delay collecting the club’s VAT.”

“I have written to Chancellor Gordon Brown in whose hands this matter ultimately rests. We know that the local Labour MP’s lobbying is unlikely to be successful. He always does the Government’s bidding when the chips are down and is taken for granted by them.

“Liberal Democrats have committed themselves to protecting local amenities such as a cinemas and rural pubs to pay reduced business rates. There are strong arguments for granting sports clubs some support too. Slight tax loss to the Treasury is matched by greater community benefits.”

STEVE BROWNE has hit out at some of his squad – branding them “lazy” and “self-centred”.

The Dover boss is furious with the attitude of some of the players he inherited and believes they have shown their true colours in recent weeks by not standing up to be counted.

He said: “There are a number of players who are in the squad that have been a disgrace. To be perfectly frank, they have not been pulling their weight and displayed an unacceptable attitude.

“Some of the lads who are not getting into the team are sulking and kicking up a fuss. I understand players being frustrated at not getting into the side, but there’s a certain way one must respond.

“I’ve had players coming into see me with their parents – not happy with the situation. I have a job to do and every player I’ve brought in to the club are better than the ones who are not getting into the side at the moment. That is a fact and 99 per cent of fans, I think, would agree with me.

“But what annoys me more than anything is that these lads are not concerned about how the first-team performs, but more about themselves. That I find amazing and really is the very kind of thing you don’t need when trying to build a successful football club.

“Some of them have been hyped up and got into the first-team, thinking they’d arrived in the big-time. They believed all the hype and it’s gone to their heads. Some think they’re better than what they actually are. You have to keep your feet on the ground in football.”

Browne has been delighted with the attitude of players such as Dean Readings, Craig Wilkins, Matt Carruthers and Craig Cloke. And even though some of these players are not producing to their full potential, Browne can not argue with the determination and willingness to help the side dig itself out of the very large hole it currently finds itself in.

The Whites boss said: “This is going to be a hard job but this club really has potential. It’s climbed from this level to the top of non-league before and it can happen again – but we need every single member of the squad to pull in the same direction.

“I have no time for lazy or self-centred individuals, who only care about themselves. I need players who are going to battle and think in the best interests of the club.”

Browne also is getting fed up with hearing how he is increasing the wage bill by bringing players in – when in fact he has been working hard to balance the books, even reduce the wage bill where he can.

He said: “Five players, including Paul Armstrong, are not getting paid by the club. They are playing for nothing. They are on trial as I make decisions on who we are keeping and who will be leaving the club.

“So I have not increased the wage bill. I had to get players in because the ones who were here were not doing the business. Some could argue that the side we have now is not doing the business and I’ve got to start winning so people can take me more seriously.”

Warren Ryan has re-signed for the club and will be on board for another month while Lee Shearer’s loan spell has once again been extended by four weeks fromGravesend. Also Browne hopes to sign another central defender – again on trial.

He said: “Some of these lads are giving me five to six weeks. They’re playing for nothing and a couple are playing for peanuts but travelling down from very far away. They’re showing me commitment and standing up to be counted.

“I am delighted Warren has signed again for us and also we probably need another central defender – but of course I will have to shift players out.”

He has released striker Shaun Welford – who has joined Kent League club Ramsgate – and more are set to follow him out of the door.

Browne held a meeting with his players at training last night and told them that it was time for them all to toughen up and show the mental strength to get Dover Athletic out of the relegation zone.

He said: “I don’t want us to suddenly become a dirty side and kick lumps out of other teams – but want them to win battles and kill off opponents. We’ve got to be more ruthless because that’s definitely been our downfall as far as I can see.

“We’ve only won one league game so far since I’ve been here and that’s not reflected our performances. The side has to kill games off and make sure they win every battle on the pitch. Only then, will we start climbing this table.

“There is still a lot of football to be played yet and we’ve got to hit promotion form. We’re capable of doing that – so the challenge is there. And there to be won.”

If enthusiasm, commitment and loyalty were the only ingredients of success – Dover Athletic would have no trouble in meeting its financial liabilities and every prospect of resolving its current problems and securing its future.

Because over the last couple of weeks the good people of Dover, from the casual supporter to the Club Chairman have clearly demonstrated the sort of whole hearted support that is so important to winning important campaigns.

I have to confess that if a man’s measure of support for his local club is judged merely by his number of attendances at matches then I would barely scrape into the casual supporter category and it’s no secret that my first love is rugby union, but having lived in River for the last 25 years and having witnessed the highs and lows of football in Dover I’d like to be considered a stakeholder and I’m pleased to be a long time member of your Supporters Club.

When the news of your financial difficulties first broke I let it be known that I would be pleased to help in any way I could and at the weekend I talked to Dover Town Centre Manager, Mike Webb who as you know is one of your Trustees, who is currently co-ordinating the rescue plan, and I offered to take Club’s case to Westminster and raise Dover’s plight on the floor of the House of Commons.

The complexities of Value Added Tax is one of the reasons why Dover Athletic is facing such large bills and it’s probably the critical factor threatening your future so I have agreed to make representations to Ministers and seek clarification of the rules that govern the sale of food and the degree of discretion the VAT collectors have to waive outstanding tax demands or to negotiate less onerous pay-back arrangements.

And to put all these matters under the spotlight I have asked Mr Speaker to allow me to hold a special debate on the floor of the House of Commons to air Dover’s plight and to invite a response from the Government.

It’s impossible to judge whether all your hard work and all your generous donations will be enough to save the Club of course and at this stage in the campaign I couldn’t better the wise words of Gazza when he famously said: “I never make predictions… and I never will.”

* Dover Athletic would like to thank Gwyn for his substantial personal donations this week to the Fighting Fund and Supporters Trust.

—————————————————–

WHAT THE OPPOSITION PARTIES SAY

CONSERVATIVES

Paul Watkins, Conservative candidate for Dover and Deal, has raised the financial crisis at Dover Athletic with Shadow Sports Minister and Kent MP Hugh Robertson.

Watkins said: “I hope Hugh will raise this matter in the Commons. It seems unfair that retrospective VAT rulings should bring down a fragile football club.

“This matter does not just affect Dover AFC but has implications for other small clubs who live hand to mouth and are supported by the generosity of local business people and Supporters Clubs.”

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Antony Hook is taking action to help save Dover Athletic. This weekend, Mr Hook was briefed by Fighting Fund co-organiser and Town Centre Manager Mike Webb.

Mr Hook said: “Mr Webb has told me on the club’s behalf that the current crisis that may
bring about the closure of Dover’s football club is two-fold. One aspect of it is the existing terms for re-payment of creditors, which the club was meeting well. The problem, they tell me, is the simultaneous bill for additional VAT.

“Mr Webb has told me that the club’s perilous cash-flow situation can be largely resolved by an extension of time to pay the outstanding VAT.

“VAT is the domain of Customs & Excise on behalf of HM Treasury. Both have wide legal discretion in deciding how speedily to pursue outstanding VAT debt.

“Dover Athletic is an important cultural facility in the same way as are local art galleries, museums, and cinemas. Without such places the community would be a social wasteland, in which fewer people could pursue non-work interests.

“It would not be in the overall public interest for Dover Athletic to close. That can be averted by Treasury discretion to delay collection of the club’s VAT and that is what I am fighting for.

“The club has been successful in recent years. It has contributed to growth in GDP and national tax revenues. That would be lost if the Treasury close the club over VAT. Given that the Chancellor’s forecasts for national revenue are not being met, which is probably the main problem in an otherwise reasonably sound economy, there is a clear long-term benefit for the Treasury to be pragmatic and delay collecting the club’s VAT.”

“I have written to Chancellor Gordon Brown in whose hands this matter ultimately rests. We know that the local Labour MP’s lobbying is unlikely to be successful. He always does the Government’s bidding when the chips are down and is taken for granted by them.

“Liberal Democrats have committed themselves to protecting local amenities such as a cinemas and rural pubs to pay reduced business rates. There are strong arguments for granting sports clubs some support too. Slight tax loss to the Treasury is matched by greater community benefits.”

STEVE BROWNE has hit out at some of his squad – branding them “lazy” and “self-centred”.

The Dover boss is furious with the attitude of some of the players he inherited and believes they have shown their true colours in recent weeks by not standing up to be counted.

He said: “There are a number of players who are in the squad that have been a disgrace. To be perfectly frank, they have not been pulling their weight and displayed an unacceptable attitude.

“Some of the lads who are not getting into the team are sulking and kicking up a fuss. I understand players being frustrated at not getting into the side, but there’s a certain way one must respond.

“I’ve had players coming into see me with their parents – not happy with the situation. I have a job to do and every player I’ve brought in to the club are better than the ones who are not getting into the side at the moment. That is a fact and 99 per cent of fans, I think, would agree with me.

“But what annoys me more than anything is that these lads are not concerned about how the first-team performs, but more about themselves. That I find amazing and really is the very kind of thing you don’t need when trying to build a successful football club.

“Some of them have been hyped up and got into the first-team, thinking they’d arrived in the big-time. They believed all the hype and it’s gone to their heads. Some think they’re better than what they actually are. You have to keep your feet on the ground in football.”

Browne has been delighted with the attitude of players such as Dean Readings, Craig Wilkins, Matt Carruthers and Craig Cloke. And even though some of these players are not producing to their full potential, Browne can not argue with the determination and willingness to help the side dig itself out of the very large hole it currently finds itself in.

The Whites boss said: “This is going to be a hard job but this club really has potential. It’s climbed from this level to the top of non-league before and it can happen again – but we need every single member of the squad to pull in the same direction.

“I have no time for lazy or self-centred individuals, who only care about themselves. I need players who are going to battle and think in the best interests of the club.”

Browne also is getting fed up with hearing how he is increasing the wage bill by bringing players in – when in fact he has been working hard to balance the books, even reduce the wage bill where he can.

He said: “Five players, including Paul Armstrong, are not getting paid by the club. They are playing for nothing. They are on trial as I make decisions on who we are keeping and who will be leaving the club.

“So I have not increased the wage bill. I had to get players in because the ones who were here were not doing the business. Some could argue that the side we have now is not doing the business and I’ve got to start winning so people can take me more seriously.”

Warren Ryan has re-signed for the club and will be on board for another month while Lee Shearer’s loan spell has once again been extended by four weeks fromGravesend. Also Browne hopes to sign another central defender – again on trial.

He said: “Some of these lads are giving me five to six weeks. They’re playing for nothing and a couple are playing for peanuts but travelling down from very far away. They’re showing me commitment and standing up to be counted.

“I am delighted Warren has signed again for us and also we probably need another central defender – but of course I will have to shift players out.”

He has released striker Shaun Welford – who has joined Kent League club Ramsgate – and more are set to follow him out of the door.

Browne held a meeting with his players at training last night and told them that it was time for them all to toughen up and show the mental strength to get Dover Athletic out of the relegation zone.

He said: “I don’t want us to suddenly become a dirty side and kick lumps out of other teams – but want them to win battles and kill off opponents. We’ve got to be more ruthless because that’s definitely been our downfall as far as I can see.

“We’ve only won one league game so far since I’ve been here and that’s not reflected our performances. The side has to kill games off and make sure they win every battle on the pitch. Only then, will we start climbing this table.

“There is still a lot of football to be played yet and we’ve got to hit promotion form. We’re capable of doing that – so the challenge is there. And there to be won.”

Steve Browne was furious after his team failed to take three points and collapsed in the second half against Wealdstone.

It should have been nine points out of nine from the last three homes game – which would have taken Whites within touching distance of getting out of the relegation zone.

But with Slough, fifth from bottom, having five games in hand, Salisbury are realistically the team to catch at the moment – and they are 11 points clear of Whites with a game in hand.

A serious situation and one that Browne does not need reminding.

He admitted: “It’s getting desperate and we seem to be missing that vital ingredient to turn good performances into wins. We have shown that we can play and have played good football in most of the games I’ve been manager here.

“We’ve got the desire to win and there’s not a single player here who doesn’t want to win. They’re desperate to do well for Dover Athletic and we’re disappointed that we’re not setting the world alight in terms of winning matches.

“But we seem to be missing that vital battling quality that you need when things are going against you. When you’re at the bottom, these kinds of things happen. You are up against it on the luck front but it’s important to battle and that’s something we’re not doing well enough.”

Wealdstone took an early lead and Browne insists there was not much his defence did wrong for that goal.

He said: “It was a superb strike and you have to just take those kinds of things on the chin. You just have to concede it was a good goal and that happens – but we responded well and got ourselves level.

“We got into half time at 1-1 and should have been ahead really. Then we continued to dominate after the break – but then bang, bang, bang. We’re 4-1 down and it’s all down to mistakes.

“It was a whole catalogue of errors and I just feel sometimes that we don’t get bodies in the way quick enough to break up opposition attacks. That’s something we need to change quickly because otherwise the situation is going to just get grimmer.”

Browne admits he may have to change his tactics and the way his side play. Also he may even bring in another fresh face or two – to add steel to the Dover side.

He added: “We might have to stop playing football and be uglier to watch. I don’t care how we play too be honest – we just want to win matches. That’s the key and perhaps that’s the way we’ve got to go.

“It’s all very well playing nice football but if you can’t battle then you’re on to a loser in a relegation dogfight.”

Browne had dinner with the directors on Saturday night and they discussed the club’s league situation – but the Whites boss revealed it was a good positive meeting.

He said: “They’re concerned of course, like me, and we discussed how things can change. We need to look at freshening things up a little bit and battle much harder than we are. The performances have been good but that’s not going to get us out of trouble.”

Steve Browne was furious after his team failed to take three points and collapsed in the second half against Wealdstone.

It should have been nine points out of nine from the last three homes game – which would have taken Whites within touching distance of getting out of the relegation zone.

But with Slough, fifth from bottom, having five games in hand, Salisbury are realistically the team to catch at the moment – and they are 11 points clear of Whites with a game in hand.

A serious situation and one that Browne does not need reminding.

He admitted: “It’s getting desperate and we seem to be missing that vital ingredient to turn good performances into wins. We have shown that we can play and have played good football in most of the games I’ve been manager here.

“We’ve got the desire to win and there’s not a single player here who doesn’t want to win. They’re desperate to do well for Dover Athletic and we’re disappointed that we’re not setting the world alight in terms of winning matches.

“But we seem to be missing that vital battling quality that you need when things are going against you. When you’re at the bottom, these kinds of things happen. You are up against it on the luck front but it’s important to battle and that’s something we’re not doing well enough.”

Wealdstone took an early lead and Browne insists there was not much his defence did wrong for that goal.

He said: “It was a superb strike and you have to just take those kinds of things on the chin. You just have to concede it was a good goal and that happens – but we responded well and got ourselves level.

“We got into half time at 1-1 and should have been ahead really. Then we continued to dominate after the break – but then bang, bang, bang. We’re 4-1 down and it’s all down to mistakes.

“It was a whole catalogue of errors and I just feel sometimes that we don’t get bodies in the way quick enough to break up opposition attacks. That’s something we need to change quickly because otherwise the situation is going to just get grimmer.”

Browne admits he may have to change his tactics and the way his side play. Also he may even bring in another fresh face or two – to add steel to the Dover side.

He added: “We might have to stop playing football and be uglier to watch. I don’t care how we play too be honest – we just want to win matches. That’s the key and perhaps that’s the way we’ve got to go.

“It’s all very well playing nice football but if you can’t battle then you’re on to a loser in a relegation dogfight.”

Browne had dinner with the directors on Saturday night and they discussed the club’s league situation – but the Whites boss revealed it was a good positive meeting.

He said: “They’re concerned of course, like me, and we discussed how things can change. We need to look at freshening things up a little bit and battle much harder than we are. The performances have been good but that’s not going to get us out of trouble.”