Dover Athletic strengthen their board with three new additions

Chairman Jim Parmenter announced the move on Saturday, telling www.doverathletic.com: “We are always looking to develop the club both on and off the pitch; these appointments bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the board."

Successful local businessman, Alistair Bayliss, brings extensive commercial knowledge and experience to the board.

Mr Bayliss has been working with the club for the past season, through his company Bayliss Executive Travel, who are official travel partner to the club.

He will work on commercial matters as well as 'matchday experience' for sponsors, partners and fans. His energy, ideas and enthusiasm will bring a new dimension to the board.

Mr Bayliss said: “I regard the invitation to join the Board as a massive privilege and am extremely excited at the prospect of helping to develop many aspects of the Club.

“I wish to assure all of the fans that I intend to work to the best of my ability with the other members of the Board to ensure that we can move the Club on, and ensure that we can then secure our position at whatever level we can get to. Their support and enthusiasm is massively important in everything we hope to achieve. “

Steve Parmenter joins the board after seven years of service to the club. Steve already undertakes extensive work on behalf of the club ranging from media, communications and publicity to IT and technical innovation.

He will continue to work in these areas, while supporting the other Directors in promoting the club's commercial activities and work in the local community.

The chairman’s son said: “I am excited to have been offered a place on the board of the club, I will continue to do everything I can to promote Dover Athletic in a positive light and help to take the 'Mighty Whites' to the next level.”

Neil Cook has many years of experience working as a General Site Manager, overseeing infrastructure, operations and staffing.

Mr Cook, who currently looks after infrastructure, development and maintenance for the club will continue in this role.

He is also very commercially active on behalf of the club, bringing numerous new clients to the club in the past few seasons. He will step up his commercial activity, working with Alistair and the other Directors.

Mr Cook said: “I am extremely pleased to have been invited to take up a position on the board of Dover Athletic. I have been both following and providing support to the club for several years now and look forward to being part of taking the next step in the development of the club.”

The new Directors will work with existing board members, Jim Parmenter, Roger Knight, Scott Rutherford, Chris Oakley and Frank Clarke to take the club forward on the pitch, off the pitch and out in the community.

Meanwhile, Harry Baker signed for Welling United last Thursday after the winger requested to have his contract with the club terminated with immediate effect.

Following discussions with Whites' management team, the club agreed to cancel his contract by mutual consent.

Baker came to Crabble in July 2010 and contributed towards the club's FA Cup success when they reached the Third Round last season.

This season he has mostly featured as a substitute, scoring six goals in 25 appearances. Harry requested a move in order to gain regular first-team football.

Manager Nicky Forster said: "We have a tight squad at present, but must always maintain a happy group that are committed to being at Dover, which Harry clearly wasn't."

The club would like to thank Harry for his efforts while at the club and wish him well for the future.

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com