Archives: News

GOODBYE RICHARD AND THANK YOU

Dover Athletic Football Club has sadly said goodbye to Richard Harvey this week.

Richard first joined the media team as a volunteer in 2015 before taking over the kit manager role after Robin Hastie left ahead of the 2017/18 season.

He’s continued to look after both media, including being the editor of our matchday programme, and the kit since then.

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “First and foremost, I’d like to say that Richard has worked tirelessly over many years for us, dedicating himself to the roles he plays and for the good of the club.

“He’s immensely respected and well-liked, not only at Dover Athletic but at many clubs around the country.

“I’d personally, and I know plenty of other people would too like to thank him for his outstanding commitment to us.

“We are all really sad to see him go but recognise he can leave with his head held high for a job done extremely well.

“There is no doubt that Richard, with who I had a good relationship with, will be hugely missed by everyone who knows him and I wish him well in whatever the future holds for him.

“He will always be welcome back at Crabble.”

Richard said:” The decision to leave was a hard one but it’s time for a change and the Chairman understands that and I thank him for that.

“I leave with plenty of memories and lots of friendships have been made at Crabble as well at clubs up and down the country, and I will always feel privileged to have worked for Dover Athletic.

“I really would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported me along the way and I would like to thank the managers, coaches, players, staff, and fans who have shared the journey with me.

“I wish you all the very best for the remainder of the season and the future.”

HESS LEAVES CRABBLE

Dover Athletic Football Club can today confirm the departure of manager Andy Hessenthaler, who leaves the club by mutual consent after his contract was cancelled, with immediate effect.

Hessenthaler returned to Crabble for a second time 15 games into the 2018/19 campaign following the departure of Chris Kinnear.

Mitch Brundle and Mike Sandmann will take joint interim charge of the team for the next few games, starting at Hungerford Town on Saturday, whilst we consider a more permanent structure for the future.

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: “Andy has given terrific service to the Club and assisted me in navigating some very difficult times.

“I wish to place on record our gratitude for his efforts, understanding, and hard work during his time at the Club.

“He is a man of integrity and decency, and I am sure he will be successful in his next role.

“We remain good friends and Hess will be welcome at Crabble at any time.”

Everyone at the club wishes Andy all the very best for the future.

POST-MATCH REACTION | ANDY HESSENTHALER | DOVER 1-2 DULWICH HAMLET

Andy Hessenthaler spoke to BBC Radio Kent’s Matt Gerrard after the National League South defeat at Crabble on New Year’s Day.

Alfie Pavey’s eighth goal of the season put Whites ahead in the 38th minute before the visitors secured the three points after goals from Danny Mills and Joe Felix.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Judd (Carney 87mins), Paxman, Goodman, Sterling, Brundle (Wilkinson 69mins), Higgs, Martin, Baptiste (Kandi 62mins), Wanadio, Pavey. Subs not used: Moses, Agbebi.

Dulwich Hamlet: Grainger, Ming, Holland, Raymond, Mills (Owusu 69mins), Taylor, Blackman (Krasniqi 85mins), Porter, Clarke (Smith 94mins), Felix, Vint. Subs not used: Jones, Powell.

Attendance: 827

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Chairman, Directors, management, players, and staff of Dover Athletic Football Club would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

So whether you are a fan, a business that supports us, or a volunteer, we want to say that we really couldn’t do it without each and every one of you, so thank you one and all.

 

MATCH PREVIEW: DOVER V DULWICH HAMLET

Manager Andy Hessenthaler’s squad starts the second half of its National League South campaign against Dulwich Hamlet at Crabble on New Year’s Day (3pm).

The Boxing Day clash between the two sides ended 1-1 at Champion Hill.

The hosts took the lead through Joe Felix in the 19th minute before Jordan Higgs scored our equaliser against his former club eight minutes before half-time.

DOVER TEAM NEWS 

Forward Chike Kandi, who missed the Boxing Day game with a back injury, is fit again and included in the matchday squad.

Young defender Harrison Byford picked up a knee injury in training this week and misses out.

PROGRAMME

Printed matchday programmes will be available for sale around the ground and from the club shop.

 

DOVER COLOURS

We will be wearing our all-navy away kit for the game as we proudly support Shelter’s #NoHomeKit campaign for a second consecutive year.

LAST TIME WE MET IN A LEAGUE GAME  AT CRABBLE  –  SEPTEMBER 8th, 2007

Dover Athletic 2-2 Dulwich Hamlet

Dover surrendered a two-goal lead in the 2-2 draw with the visitors in the Ryman League Division 1 South match.

Mark Lovell scored both goals for a Dover team which included our current manager Andy Hessenthaler.

Dover Athletic:  Dean Ruddy, Matt Fish, James Rogers, Matt Bourne, John Keister, Craig Wilkins, Jon Wallis, Andy Hessenthaler, James Dryden (Byron Walker), Francine Collin, Mark Lovell (Matt Carruthers).

Subs not used: Graeme Andrews, Sam Gore, Gavin Wright.

Attendance: 941

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

COVERAGE 

The game kicks off at 3pm and if you are unable to make it, we will be providing live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens.

BBC Radio Kent will also be covering the game with Matt Gerrard on commentary duties HERE

SUNDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH FIXTURES

Farnborough v Hungerford Town
Slough Town v Oxford City
Braintree Town v Chelmsford City
Chippenham Town v Bath City
Concord Rangers v Cheshunt
Dartford v Ebbsfleet United
Eastbourne Borough v Havant & Waterlooville
Hampton & Richmond v Worthing
St Albans City v Hemel Hempstead Town
Welling United v Tonbridge Angels

BE A NEW YEAR’S DAY VIP

Start the New Year in style by enjoying our VIP Platinum Suite matchday experience for our National League South game against Dulwich Hamlet at Crabble on January 1st

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our matchday hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

  • Butler hosted lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game

  • A three-course meal served at your table

  • Reserved undercover premium padded seating

  • Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match

  • Complimentary matchday team sheet

The very special experience costs £28 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

  • Minestrone soup with Ciabatta roll and butter
  • Chicken, mushroom & leek pie, mashed potato, peas, carrots, and gravy
  • Golden layered salted caramel cheesecake served with cream

Arrival at the ground should be at 1pm and food will be served at 1.30pm.

There are only 64 spaces available, so all tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email [email protected] or call the office on 01304 822373

CLUB SUPPORTS #NoHomeKit CAMPAIGN

In the space of one 90-minute game, 25 households will become homeless in England – many of them will be families with children.

Home stadium. Home colours. Home game. The football community knows the importance of home – and we here at Dover Athletic are proud to be playing our part. We’re fighting for a future where everyone has the right to a safe home, particularly at this time of year.

That’s why we are supporting homelessness charity, Shelter’s, #NoHomeKit campaign, for a second consecutive year.

The initiative sees clubs across the country taking part by swapping their home kit for their away one to raise awareness for the cause.

That means we will wear our navy kit in the National League South game against Dulwich Hamlet at Crabble on Sunday, January 1st  and we encourage supporters to do the same if they are able to.

Shelter supports people and families who are suffering from the cost of living crisis, and its knock-on effects, with demand for housing being as high as it’s ever been.

Last year’s campaign was a huge success, with hundreds of clubs up and down the country taking part, raising over £500,000 for it.

Supporters can find out more and donate to Shelter’s campaign HERE

KRASNIQI DEPARTS

Dover Athletic Football Club can today confirm midfielder Arjanit Krasniqi has left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The 22-year-old former Kosovo under-21 captain made 39 appearances in all competitions for us during two spells at Crabble.

His last appearance for Andy Hessenthaler’s squad was as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 National League South defeat at Cheshunt on December 6th.

Krasniqi originally arrived at Crabble on a non-contract basis from National League South side Braintree Town last January before returning to sign a new deal in June.

Everyone at Dover Athletic wishes Arjanit all the very best for the future.

LOAN EXTENDED

Defender Alex Green’s loan deal with Southern Counties East Premier Division side Deal Town has been extended for another month.

The 19-year-old former Academy captain, who initially joined The Hoops for a month last month, will now stay with them until the end of January.

We wish Alex and Deal Town manager Steve King’s team all the very best during his extended stay at the Charles Ground.

 

 

 

 

POST-MATCH REACTION | ANDY HESSENTHALER | DULWICH HAMLET 1-1 DOVER

Summer signing Jordan Higgs scored against his former club as Andy Hessenthaler’s side came from behind to leave Champion Hill with a point on Boxing Day.

The hosts took the lead through Joe Felix in the 19th minute before Higgs (pictured) replied eight minutes before half-time.

The result sees Dover finish the year in 13th place on the National League South table while Dulwich are 17th ahead of the return fixture at Crabble on New Year’s Day (3pm).

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Judd (Byford 87′), Paxman, Sterling, Goodman, Brundle, Higgs, Martin, Wanadio (Carney 83′), Pavey, Baptiste

Subs Not Used:  Nikaj, Moses, Wilkinson

Attendance: 2541