Kentish Football 
Expectations will need to change, says Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter
Friday 30th May 2014
DOVER ATHLETIC chairman Jim Parmenter says he has lowered expectations going into the Conference Premier next season.The Whites sealed promotion from Skrill South at the end of last season after beating Sutton United and Ebbsfleet United in the play-offs.
They became the first club in Conference South history to win promotion by finishing in fifth-place.
After finally completing the mission of reaching the top tier of English football under his ownership, the chairman issued a warning to Whites fans who may be expecting another promotion battle similar to previous seasons in the Conference South and the Ryman divisions.
“Expectations will need to change,” Mr Parmenter told www.doverathletic.com.
“We have a competitive budget, but we won't be finishing in the top six. We have to accept there is building to do and in the long term we are going to try and progress.”
Manager Chris Kinnear is currently taking a well earned week's break, though Mr Parmenter revealed the club are already looking to strengthen for what for will no doubt be a tough season ahead competing against ex League teams like Bristol Rovers, Torquay United, Grimsby Town and Kidderminster Harriers.
He said: “I have no idea what the squad will be, but we are talking to a number of players.
“However, we are going to be prudent and not rush. I know for a fact that that ridiculous money is being thrown about at the moment by some South East clubs. We need to make sure we get the right type of players here so this club can remain sustainable."
Though news of which of last season heroes will be committing to the club for another season continues to come through in drabs, Mr Parmenter confirmed one player has made a decision.
Striker Moses Ademola, 24, who started his career in the youth ranks at Cray Wanderers, before going on to play for Croydon Athletic, Brentford, Welling United (loan), Woking, Eastleigh, Dover Athletic and Canvey Island (loan) has played his last game for the club.
“Moses Ademola has turned down our offer of a new contract to go elsewhere for a bigger package,” revealed Mr Parmenter.
Match day prices have increased and the Dover Chairman admitted that this was something he considered very carefully.
He said: “The costs of going up are very high - Training three days a week, the extra travel, more stewardship, a Doctor at every game and we still need to pay our bills like everyone else!
“It is a comparable price to other clubs at that level that don't have a geographical disadvantage.”
The challenge ahead though is one that Mr Parmenter is very much looking forward to.
“I can't wait for all the games and it is very exciting for everyone. I am still in this for the long term and we will continue to work hard and persevere, whilst maintaining our professionalism. This is how we approach things.”
Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com
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