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WE MOURN THE PASSING OF BRIAN LEE

Rest in peace, Brian Lee

It is with the greatest of regret and deepest sadness that the National League announces the passing of Brian Lee MBE, former Chairman and President of the League. He passed peacefully in hospital on Sunday 12 February.
During his lifetime of achievements in football Brian was so well respected and received wherever he went. Many individuals and clubs will owe a debt of gratitude for his persistence and foresight in laying down foundations on which clubs depend.
The National League recognised Brian’s commitment across many aspects of the game when presenting him with a special recognition award at their Gala Awards Evening in June 2022.
High on the list of achievements was the formation of the National League Trust, aided by the Premier League and PFA, which Brian developed the seed of club community engagement into the flower which successfully blossoms across the membership today.
Brian had a playing, coaching and managerial career during his early life and he became director of Bisham Abbey, after his time at Lilleshall which played a pivotal role as a training base for England’s success in the 1966 World Cup.
Brian went on to manage Wycombe Wanderers and was instrumental in the move to, and building of, their current stadium, Adams Park.
Even right up to recent times he could be found supporting the Chairboys, making the short trip from his nearby home. He remains a club legend to many a generation who follow the team.
Involvement with the National League, previously the Football Conference, started back in 1991 as Vice Chairman and then elevated to Chairman in 2007.
Over the ensuing years he led the competition with an assurance and dignity befitting his experience in the game. He stepped down from that position in June 2015 and accepted the honour to become President and in the same year was honoured with an MBE to recognise his service to football.
Brian touched so many lives inside and outside of the game. His influence cannot be underestimated, and his passing is a tremendous blow to the family so soon after the passing of his wife and soulmate Shirley-Ann.
Jack Pearce, Chair of the National League, commented “Brian was a friend and colleague to many and a fountain of wisdom to those of us who worked alongside him across his lifetime. Brian was a true gentleman, communicator and above all else, a compassionate and caring individual. May I, on behalf of all connected with the National League, extend our sincere condolences to his sons, Bryn and
Tim and all other members of the Lee family at this difficult time.”
As a mark of respect, the League will observe a one-minute silence with players wearing black armbands across all fixtures on Saturday 18 February 2023.

DOVER ATHLETIC 2 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 1

The Brundle era is off and running after a superb home win.

There seems to be a theme at the moment with Dover games in that we keep conceding early on and this match was to be no different as Leone Gravata scored inside two minutes after a good ball in from the right.

Unlike the last few matches that the Whites had gone behind in, this time there was a higher sense of urgency in trying to get back into the game. Luke Wanadio weaved down the right hand side only for his cross to undo all his good work.

Midway through the first half and with Dover pressing, a breakdown in attack left a hole at the heart of the defence in which Eastbourne Boro exploited only for the quick thinking of Stuart Nelson, who spread himself superbly to deny the visitors extending their lead.

Josh Ajayi looked to have opened his account when he cut inside his man and curled a beautiful shot towards the far post, only for Lee Worgan to dive at full strength to push it around the post.

Ajayi was at the centre of it again when in the 29th minute his header from a corner hit the woodwork. Boro cleared their lines but Dover regained possession and a lovely ball back into the area was met by Tyrone Sterling. His header was super, beating the dive of the despairing Worgan.

Dover and in particular Jack Paxman were purring. It was a spirited performance and certainly worthy of going into the break level. The Whites had dominated the possession with some neat interplay trough the midfield with Higgs, Paxman and Martin all combining well.

It was Dover who started the second half the quicker out of the two teams with George Nikaj nipping in twice inside the early moments of the half but both efforts were denied by Worgan.

Ajayi had been unlucky in the first half but that was about to change on the hour when a quickly taken free-kick found the feet of Ajayi who spun round and bent his shot into the far top corner. It was a beautiful strike. Take a bow son.

It was a lead that Dover deserved as their play had been bold up until this point. But it was nearly taken away from them when a sweetly struck set piece was pushed onto the crossbar by Nelson, who was up quick enough to claim the rebound.

In the 75th minute and with the bit between his teeth, Ajayi flashed a shot over Worgan’s crossbar after neat play by Nikaj. It was a move that had started near the right back position and was well worked from back to front, carving through the opposition team.

The Ajayi Worgan saga continued with the ex Whites stopper again at full stretch to keep his side in the match. It was a superb save, diving down to his left to palm away the forwards curling effort.

In the end it was irrelevant as Dover held on to get the first three points of the Brundle era. It was a performance worthy of the win with Dover dominating large parts of the match. It’s the little building blocks in which the manager can now start putting together with his team but we are off and running.

COYW.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Paxman A, Goodman, Sterling, Boateng, Martin, Higgs, Paxman J, Ajayi, Wanadio, Nikaj

Subs: Carney, Byford, Oliver, Baptiste, Agbebi

Eastbourne Borough: Worgan, Birchall, Innocent, Dickenson, Bartley, Perez, Walker, Bendle, Remy, Pearce, Gravata

Subs: Kastrati, Pitoula-Wabo, Bull, Houlter, Scarlett

Attendance: 629

MEET THE MANAGER – THE OUTCOME

The fans got to put their questions to the manager last night. Here is the best of them.

Q – First one to chairman. Prior to the season starting should we have been competing considering our budget given pre season? JP – Our budget was competitive compared to others. We are a top ten team budget wise but we can’t improve on this without fans coming through the gate. MB – we haven’t had the luck so far. Look at the Worthing game. A red card rescinded. This club is built on a group of players with work ethic. The togetherness had gone. We are changing the squad and personnel. The chairman backs me. They need to match my philosophy.

Q – I think we are in a relegation battle. We have a very young side. Will you reconsider your decision to not play? MB – I trust the group but I could possibly come back in. We are changing to a possession based team and we have the team to do that. Would I put my boots back on? Yes. I am trying to focus the team as a whole and when I think it’s right, I will make that call.

Q – Years ago when you first came here, all the players used to come into the clubhouse and mix with the fans, is this something that could happen again? MB – We need to get back to that. Togetherness from the players and the fans. We make all the players now stay till 6. It’s something we want to get back into. The lads need to come in and mingle with the fans, win lose or draw. We want the fans to be in the bar win lose or draw also. We need to United. We can only be better as a whole.

Q – Who would you say was your biggest managerial influence and what was the biggest thing you have taken? MB – Peter Reid for me. I have spoken to him personally he has told me you have to galvanise the club. It takes time. It’s not an overnight thing. The hardest thing for me to get to grips with is trying to get the best of this football club. I work for 7 days to get this right. The chairman has given me the trust to knit this all together. I know all the back room staff.

Q – In light of the financial difficulties, what ambition do you have in the short term and the medium term? MB – I would say the recruitment has been wrong. No disrespect to AH but he has a diff way of doing things to me. We have created 57 chances scoring 4 goals which we can all see is a problem. We can change this if we can change the mindset of the players from front to back. I put lads on the transfer list because I wanted to free up money but also because I want players to work like I want them too. Do we have a shot of the play offs? It could happen. There is always a way. We have our own ambitions. The players I have brought in have been class.

JP – one of the reasons we decided to give Mitch the chance was because of his knowledge and his football network. These players will fit well in the budget as we have made expensive mistakes. I believe he has the capability to turn it around.

Q – is there money in the budget for signings? MB – yes there is. I’m speaking to managers more then my wife at the moment. We are creating a network and making contact with various clubs. I’m in the position where I can decide now who I want. We lost Alfie Pavey but he won’t suit the way we will now be playing. I made a decision to let him go. It was a tough one. He’s one of my mates on and off the pitch but for me to succeed here I need to make ruthless decisions. We let Kandi and Pavey go to bring in Paxman, Ajayi and Boateng.

JP – Talking about budget. It’s a chicken and egg scenario. We need people through the gate to make the budget larger. If we can have 900-1000 a game, that’s an additional £100k a year for the kitty for players. You get your luck by working hard. We are getting the worst decisions I’ve ever seen but we will keep working hard and eventually we will come out good.

MB – what can we do that will galvanise us as a club back together? One of the things that galvanises supporters is having a go at goal. MB – we will find the players and system that will do that. I understand the criticism and I do take it on board. I know we turn down opportunities. It’s about excitement. We need ruthlessness.

Q – You have spoken a lot about players not fitting the system, but who does currently? MB – I can highlight a couple but there’s no point in shooting peoples confidence. There’s a lot of people in that team. You can see a change in that team. Josh Ajayi, once he gets his first goal he then goes bang, bang, bang. He’s committed to the process that we are working with.

Q – I think there are some issues off the pitch regarding other clubs saying it’s unpleasant coming here. We seem to have complaints all the time. Our reputation is not very good at present. MB – we don’t want to call games off. We look at other teams who have played less who have also called them off. Maybe them called them off too early. We try to take it to the wire with every game to make sure we play. We want the games to be Saturdays and not Tuesdays. We want the fans there behind us as we know it’s a little less likely in the week. People blame the chairman but there is a huge sum spent on expenditure on a match day so we want them games to be on. People don’t like us because we are bigger than them. We are a national league team but not in stature. They don’t like it. They all have something against us.

JP – There’s a rumour that we don’t let clubs video here which is true but it’s not through us not wanting too. We only have enough room to video for ourselves but we can send the away team the footage. But they never ask. Some of the stick we get is unjustified. MB – All I want is a team that you can clap at the end of the game who has worked their socks off. Ebbsfleet told us we were the best footballing side they played against. So I know we are going in the right way. Sometimes we will be good, other times not. I want to galvanise the community. I want to go into schools. I know I will make mistakes. I won’t shy away from seeing the fans if we lose. I will take the brunt of it. I will make sure I’m here for you.

Q – Are you going to be playing right back Saturday? MB – No ha ha.

Q – There will be a section from the support who will like the siege mentality but others who don’t. MB – what can I do to change the fans thoughts on that? I will take it on board to make it better. JP – we don’t disrespect any other clubs. We treat them well when they come here but it’s easy to jump on the bandwagon about us due to our standings in non league. MB – in the national league south we are a big team. People don’t like us but can we meet and help each other to make things better? We want to perform on the pitch but off it too. Forget the trolls and negativity. I can’t afford to run the club like the chairman. But I can try and get a football team worthy of playing in front of you. I want you all to come and support the team. Get people back through the gates. I’m as honest as the day is long. I will always answer any questions.

Q – Is there an opportunity in a marketing strategy for the club ? JP – we have done various marketing strategies. Megger have saved our lives with a three year deal. They want to get involved with the community but at the moment DDC have put a block on till we make another meeting with them. MB – we want to bring the club back to the community. Schools, shopping centres, etc. we want to get a 3G pitch sorted but again we need fans through the door to free up finances etc. Money is tight at the moment but we know we can come together. People like you make this club. We need help though. Can we bring a friend? Stay in the bar after the game? We want to create all that.

Q – You make be excited to be a Dover fan at the moment. Can we go any further than the National League? MB – again we need more fans for more budget and more budget is better playing squad. We only get people through the door by winning. We know it’s a two way street. The club can go as far as it wants. We can push on with big gates for sure.

Q – What can we say to you regarding making a difference. Can we get a discount for multiple home games in a month? MB – we can certainly have a look. Me and the chairman talk privately about things like this all the time for the greater good. There is never a stupid question. We will always look at the best possible situation for the football club. We want to benefit the club and yourself. We want you all in here to have the best time.

Q – Can we change the fortunes in the cups next season? MB – I’d love to reach the quarters, semi or final. But seriously we would love to have the Crystal Palace’s again but we look to prioritise this Saturday.

Q – Did releasing Alfie Pavey seem a gamble? MB – of course it is. Every transfer is a gamble. Bringing players in is a gamble. Me being honest as a manager, Pavey has not quite hit the heights from open play. It’s up to me to recruit.

Q – The charity match against the legends went down well, will we see a repeat? MB – I’m only focusing on the games that matter to me. JP – When we get some more legends we will make it happen.

Q – The Copa 90 documentary has come out today. What was you hoping to get out of it? JP – it was brought about regarding covid fiasco but Sky were going to get it but it got blackballed and Copa took it on. I haven’t seen it yet.

Q – Are you putting money in or have you had enough? JP – when I come here we were hundreds of thousands in debt. We have punched above our weight consistently. We have had cup runs etc but I’ve always put money in. I’m retired now. My resources are now becoming limited. But it can’t go on forever. We can only do so much. It goes back to crowds again. We didn’t play at home for nearly 2 months. We have to pay the bills still. We won’t see the club go to debt. MB – the chairman is doing the best for the club. It’s not all about signing strikers. It’s about balancing the books and the club as a business. We need to keep things in perspective. We got through covid. And we are still debt free. Fair play to the chairman.

MB – You did a fantastic job chairman, can we give him a round of applause (applause from the audience).

Q – With penalties, do we have a nominated penalty taker? MB – I have in my head. I didn’t want to take one at Uxbridge due to not being warm so I didn’t want to be in that position. I’ve got my own designated taker. I’ll keep that close to my chest for now as I don’t want to put him under pressure.

Q – Will we go back to daytime training? MB – can we get lads in who can train in the day? Some are part time etc who work in the day. We can’t always give them the financial benefit that we used to be able too.

JP – Thanks for coming. Hopefully it’s answered all your questions. I’m always about on match days if you want to come and chat with me. Don’t Listen to all the stuff that’s written about us. We want you to support us and not jump on what other teams write. Thanks for your time.

 

UP NEXT – EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

Boro head to the Megger Community Stadium looking to do a league double over the Whites.

Mitch Brundle and his side will be looking to continue their good work after a draw on the road last time out against Slough Town. Eastbourne Borough will be no pushovers as the team from Priory Lane look to head back home with the three points following their win over the Whites back in September.

Dover have a good record on home soil, winning three and drawing three of the last six matches against Eastbourne. The bookies have made the visitors slight favourites but Brundle will relish the opportunity to upset the form book, a task made a little more difficult with his defensive options beginning to thin out. Myles Judd will now serve his suspension after breaching the ten booking fresh hold.

Speaking to Kent Online Sport, Brundle said ‘Juddy has been fantastic. He plays the game on the front foot and he’s aggressive. We will miss him but, obviously, that’s what the squad is for. We will see how the week goes in training. I have ideas already. I’m training all the time – that’s a thought if it comes down to it. But I believe in the group. If I don’t trust them, then there’s no real point bringing them in. I’ve told them that I believe in them and it’s up to them. We will look at what the best solution is.’

The gaffer was delighted with David Boateng’s first goal for the club and was also looking forward to the prospect of welcoming back George Nikaj from loan. ‘It’s the chance to play at a higher level which is what he needs. He has done really well at that level. There was a chance to extend it but we haven’t. He deserves a chance as he has been scoring. He will be playing a part in our team – it’s up to him to see whether he can do it at this level.’

When quizzed about any further signings the manager seemed to be in an optimistic mood. ‘We’re actively looking, it’s just about getting the right ones in,” the boss said. ‘We need to find someone who fits into the way we work. We’ve identified a few. It’s just about whether we can get it over the line.’

We hope to see you all at Crabble tomorrow.

COYW.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for this game can be purchased at the turnstile only.

Prices are as follows:

Adults – £16

Over 60 – £14

Under 18 – £8

Under 11s continue to be free with paying adult

CONCORD RANGERS RESCHEDULED

The away tie at Concord Rangers has now been moved to April. 

Our scheduled Vanarama National South match away at Concord Rangers has now changed from Tuesday 21st February to Tuesday 18th April. All the relevant ticket and travel information will be posted closer to the time.

STRIKER – DID YOU HIT THE NET?

Latest Striker Lottery results for Wednesday 8th February

Congratulations to all the winners and better luck next time if your name wasn’t drawn out. It could well be your time next week.

For anyone who doesn’t know how the Striker Lottery works well let me explain if for you. Each week, so long as you have paid your £1 weekly subscription, your number will be entered into a draw. If your number is drawn, congratulations – you’re a winner! It’s as simple as that. The draw is held every Wednesday. Keep an eye on the website and social media pages for full details. Who knows, your number could scoop the £1,000 top prize.

Please note that only paid-for tickets are entered in the draw. For your convenience, your membership fee can be collected from you, or you can pay at the Club Office or, to save time, you can pay monthly or quarterly by standing order.

Contact [email protected] to register your interest and good luck.

MATCH OFF

Match off! 

Unfortunately due to an accident on the motorway, Eastleigh are unable to get to the Abbey School. The game is now off.

ACADEMY MATCH SWITCHED FROM CRABBLE BACK TO ABBEY SCHOOL

Academy team to face Eastleigh on Wednesday afternoon will now be back at the Abbey School in Faversham.

With the temperatures dropping at an alarming rate this week the covers have been laid on the pitch at Crabble with Saturdays tie at home against Eastbourne Borough in mind. Unfortunately the youngsters will now revert back to their normal home pitch at the Abbey School.

Good luck, lads.

THE ACADEMY RETURN TO CRABBLE WHILE THE GRADUATE RETURNS HOME

The young Whites face Eastleigh at Crabble in the National Youth League.

Mike Sandmann’s academy side take on Eastleigh at Crabble this Wednesday in the National Youth League.

Kick Off will be at 13.30 and the lads would love as much support as possible so if you can get there to cheer them on, they would greatly appreciate it.

Academy graduate George Nikaj also returns home to the club. The forward had been on loan at Ashford United and had impressed during his short spell at the club, scoring 12 goals in 18 games.

Sandmann was keen to be reunited with Nikaj. ‘Really looking forward to having George back with us. I know all about George’s potential having worked with him for 3 years in the Academy The loan move has given him the opportunity to build his confidence and sharpness, ready to compete for a start at Dover Athletic. I am confident that George will continue to score goals now he is back with us.’

Welcome back, George.

 

TRAVEL TO SLOUGH TOWN

The supporters club are running a coach to our match tomorrow.

We have confirmed that a coach will be going to Slough Town on Saturday. Seats can be booked by calling or texting 07934 300335 or by emailing [email protected].

We hope to see as many of you there as we can.

COYW