Hendon Quits after 18 Days Shocker: Gillingham have crossed the line, fumes Dover chairman Parmenter

Tuesday 15th June 2010

IAN HENDON has quit as Dover Athletic manager after just 18 DAYS to join Gillingham as No2 to Andy Hessenthaler, writes Justin Allen.

The bombshell news broke during a pre-arranged meeting between chairman Jim Parmenter and the new boss at Crabble, which was designed to discuss transfer targets this summer.

Hendon – who publically committed to the job – had not yet signed his one-year contract as there was not enough time before he went away on vacation.

Mr Parmenter told www.doverathletic.com: “Ian was going to sign the contract while he was away. I had allowed him to take it on holiday as he had not only agreed to take the job but attended a press conference publically committing himself to Dover Athletic. I had no reason to doubt his integrity.

“But then we had a meeting where he told me: ‘You’re not going to like this, but I’ve been offered a job at Gillingham so I’m leaving.’

“I was stunned, shocked and upset – and couldn’t believe what he was telling me.”

Mr Parmenter admits he is disappointed with the recent chain of events.

He said: “I’m upset because we released Andy (Hessenthaler) from his contract here to enable him to take the Gillingham job.

“But since then he has taken Darren Hare from our youth academy, which was a huge blow for us and I’ve spent the last two weeks putting a new structure in place, which included Ian Hendon.

“And now he has actually taken our manager, the person he gave a reference to for the job in the first place!

“As far as I’m concerned, a line has been crossed.”

Mr Parmenter expects to make a quick appointment and is at an advanced stage with a former top-flight player at a big-four club, who wants the job.

He said: “I’m hoping to have the new man in place very quickly. Thankfully, I was on good terms with all the original applicants for the job and been able to go back to some of them."

It has been a bad week for Dover, who are also looking for a new kit manufacturer.

And the Whites chairman added: “Now is a time for us all to stick together. We have our backs against the wall and it’s vital everyone rallies around the club at this tough time.”

Meanwhile, Dover Athletic have today confirmed that defender Matt Fish is staying at Crabble.

Fish signed a new contract this lunchtime and Mr Parmenter added: “Matt’s been a key player for us and we’re delighted he’s staying.

Fish joined Dover in July 2007, after a short trial period. The young defender was a Crystal Palace youth product.

In April 2007 Matt was signed on loan by AFC Wimbledon, though he did not feature for them. After being released by Palace that summer, he came to Crabble.

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com