Dover Athletic start planning their climb up the leagues

DARREN HARE insists Dover Athletic are equipped for life in the Ryman Premier League next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Andy Hessenthaler’s assistant manager had honestly answered questions that were put to him by Whites fans, via Justin Allen and the club’s excellent website www.doverathletic.com.

There is an expectation that the Kent giants will climb out of the Ryman Premier League; Blue Square South and retain their Blue Square Premier status that they lost in 2002.

“What I would say now is that both Andy and I are committed to improving the fortunes of Dover Athletic and we are both extremely happy to be working for such a great club,” said Hare, who has now left Coca-Cola Championship outfit Crystal Palace and is now a PE teacher.

“Our immediate plans are to try to improve things on the field to make a challenge for the Ryman Premier next season.”

Hare and Hessenthaler, who have signed contracts to remain at the club until 2011, know they need to strengthen their side ahead of their Ryman Premier League campaign, which kick’s off on 16^th August.

“Our forwards have been excellent but they know that next season we may not create as many chances as we go up a level and therefore we need to be more clinical in front of goal,” said Hare.

“Having said that, I would be more worried if we were not creating chances.

“Strengthening is a natural progression for us as we have gone up a level. The current players are aware of that and we will be looking to add to our firing line in addition to the signings we have made so far.”

The Whites have brought in trio Dean Hill, Ollie Schulz and Sam Jones following their Ram raid from Southwood Stadium.

Goalkeeper Dean Ruddy; winger Byron Walker, defender Matt Bourne; midfielder Jack Tanner and the versatile Craig Wilkins have all been released.

Hare looks at the two sides that were promoted from the Ryman League Division One South 12 months ago.

“One of my main concerns about going up next season was the performances of the two that went up from our division,” said Hare.

“Maidstone struggled and so did Hastings, for a period.

“While I think our current squad would do well the next level up, I wanted to see how the teams were organised, how they played, the tempo of the game and any particular differences from our level.

“One thing I noticed is that the tempo is slightly faster, a bit more frantic, but there was also the quality.

“Another thing I noticed is that the top teams were extremely well organised and hard working, and this can be said definitely of Ramsgate.

“The quality of player was also higher, you would expect that, and the level of physical strength and power was clearly a factor.

“Finally though, there wasn’t a single team I saw whom I thought we couldn’t beat - I wasn’t particularly worried by anything I saw, but next season the Premier will be a very tough nut to crack.

“To get out of this league, we will need to be well drilled, well organised, inventive and have a bit of luck with injuries and have a depth of squad which will not weaken the team if we have to make changes.

“It is important the seven or eight we have not starting the game are as good as the 11 we have out on the pitch, and that is what we are trying to achieve at this moment in time. It is not going to be as straightforward as we would all like it to be I’m sure of that.”

But with the pair at the helm, well backed by chairman Mr Jim Parmenter, the club would relish the chance to host League Football.

When asked how far the club can go, Hare replied: “The answer I would like to say is all the way to the Football League. We have the ground already, the support is there at our current level, I believe it would grow as the team grows and I believe we have a chairman and manager who share the same dream and same ambition.

“However, we must be pragmatic and appreciate that this would require substantial investment from the club, a fantastic support never before seen in Dover’s history, a move towards investing in developing our own home-grown players and a little bit of luck. It is possible!”

Before that, however, Dover Athletic must get out of the Ryman Premier League, and Hare gave his own expectations for next term.

He said: “I’m expecting it to be a tough campaign, but we are definitely targeting the play-off spots.

“If we achieve that, we will be pleased and wise, and better prepared to mount an assault the next year.

“Growth has to be balanced against spending and this club, under its present ownership, will not put the club in a difficult position financially and that is how it should be.

“Also, sometimes clubs, teams and managers need a season to adjust to realise their ambitions. I think this is what Maidstone are doing now, I expect them to be up there next season, one below us!

“Having said that, if we have a good start and come out of the Christmas period in real contention, then I’m afraid no-one will stop the gaffer going for is again. He’s a winner and hates losing - and the chairman will support us, we both know that.”

So where will Dover be in five years time, Darren? “Hopefully in the Conference,” he replied. “I would like to be part of that.

“However, it is often dangerous making predictions so I will say that this is an ambition of mine, Andy, the chairman and every Dover fan to see the club where it belongs in five years time, and we would all like a part of that.”

Quotes courtesy of www.doverathletic.com