£100,000 debt almost wiped out Dulwich Hamlet

DULWICH HAMLET chairman Jack Payne admits he was kept in the dark over the club’s finances.



At least 200 concerned and passionate supporters crowded into the bar at Champion Hill after the club’s 3-0 home win over East Thurrock United last Saturday.

Matters off-the-pitch have not troubled Gavin Rose or his side on-the-pitch as the club returned to the Ryman Premier League summit on Tuesday night following their 4-0 win away to struggling Carshalton Athletic.

The Hamlet are now three points clear of Maidstone United with 69 points from 33 games, having eaten up their game in hand at Colston Avenue.

The club issued a statement following the crunch meeting last weekend.

“The majority (of supporters) were shocked to hear from football club chairman Jack Payne how the football club committee had been kept in the dark by the powers that be who ran Dulwich Hamlet Football Club Limited regarding the swathe of debts that almost wiped out our proud club.

“Peter Bennison, chief executive officer of Hadley Property Group, made a welcome and positive statement in announcing that his company had cleared all outstanding debts, to the tune of over £100,000, and were working to ensure that the Football Club Limited will be able to sustain itself in the future.

“He also stated that the club’s long term future would continue to be in East Dulwich, though didn’t offer any details of potential redevelopment plans for the site.

“This, of course, is perfectly understandable giving the commercial confidentiality of such developments and the fact that they have only very recently completed the purchase.
“He did openly state that he sees community ownership of the club as a way forward and has pledged to talk to fans and hold meetings with interested parties.

“The Dulwich Hamlet Football Club committee welcome the input so far from all at Hadley.  There is no doubt that without their financial assistance in sorting out the monetary mire that occurred under the last Limited Company administration, the very existence of Dulwich Hamlet Football Club would have been threatened.

“All at Dulwich Hamlet Football Club realise that supporters still have concerns about the future and ask for their continued patience and understanding.

“There will be further meetings and everyone hopes this will herald a new era that will bring a bright future for the club off the pitch to match the one we are enjoying on it; coupled with a clear transparency where neither supporters or football club officials are left in the dark.”

Visit Dulwich Hamlet’s website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet