Hessenthaler can stay here for life, says jubiliant Dover chairman

ANDY HESSENTHALER can stay at Dover Athletic for life. That is the wish of chairman Jim Parmenter, who has been amazed by the job the Gillingham legend has performed in his first season at Crabble, writes Justin Allen.

Hessenthaler, 42, – who had been out of the non-league game for 15 years – has guided Whites 13 points clear at the top of the Ryman League Division One South table and only an unprecedented reverse of form can halt his team winning the championship.

Mr Parmenter, still on a high after Saturday’s superb 1-0 win at second-placed Tooting and Mitcham, heaped praised on boss Hessenthaler and his No2 Darren Hare – and said he will sit down with the pair to discuss a new contract when the time is right.

He said: “As far as I’m concerned Andy and Darren can stay here for life.

“If extending their contracts make it easier to attract the right players in the summer then we may talk sooner rather than later.”

Hessenthaler and Hare signed two-year deals with the club, which will expire in the summer of 2009, but everyone involved with Dover Athletic will be praying that they are in charge for many more years to come.

Mr Parmenter added: “There was no doubt in my mind that Andy would bring us success. He is well respected throughout the game and has achieved things but he has also a battling instinct that inspires when there is a need to dig in.

“It’s not about having a big name, it’s about having the right character who understands things from the players’ side and the needs of the club and its supporters. Andy and Dover Athletic have already developed an affinity and long may that continue.

“Darren is a key member of the management team. Andy trusts him and his judgement. He’s a first-class coach and motivator. Together they make a great team. Also Darren is an ex-Dover player. So I'm sure he has a great feeling for the club.”

But, despite the healthy cushion at the top of the table, the Whites chairman is not going to be cracking open any Champagne bottles yet.

He said: “I will be delighted when we pick up the trophy – but, at the moment, we have won nothing. I’m however delighted with the whole squad and what they have achieved so far. It really is a pleasure to work with the whole team and, by team, I mean the whole structure of the club on and off the field.

“We don't talk about our 13-point cushion, just about winning the next game and getting as many points as possible. There are still nine games to go and the job isn't done yet. We will keep going until the fat lady sings.”

Mr Parmenter, who paid for six coaches, one of them a double-decker, to transport Dover fans to Tooting, was chuffed that the supporters were given a day to remember by the team.

He said: “It was a fantastic day all round. Sitting on the coach and seeing the reaction of the players after the ‘Inches DVD’ was played, I just knew we would get a result It was a professional, determined performance by the whole team.

“The game was not the prettiest on a poor pitch in a strong wind, but I thought, character-wise, it was one of our best performances of the season.

“From the many mails and calls I’ve received, I think everyone enjoyed a good day out and I thank each and every supporter for their fantastic support.

“Improving our home attendance really is fundamental to the continuing success of the club going forward – and although our attendances have held up pretty well we are not seeing the increases I had hoped for and that our achievements deserve.

“This is an area where the fans can really help. I would like them to spread the word, bring along friends and help us swell the home crowds as we make that final push for promotion.”

Mr Parmenter also stated that the club would be going into the Premier Division to win it – if Hess’s men clinch promotion. A return to the top flight of non-league football remains the goal.

The club’s ethos is to win, he says, and also to be successful off the field – which is what the Centre Spot 2008 project is geared towards.

He said: “We want to compete for honours on the football field, within the budgets we can afford – so that we never have a repeat of what happened in the past.

“But it is important that we keep improving commercially and need the crowds to grow so that we have the funds to keep financing the dream.

“That is what the new Centre Spot is about and we will need the continuing support of our sponsors and the wider community if we are to continue progressing.”

Sadly the Centre Spot Appeal has not been supported as well as was hoped. Despite Jim pledging to pay around £120,000 towards the project himself, providing the fans and community can raise around £30,000, progress in this area has been slow.

The chairman said: “We’d like to start building at the end of the season. We need to gain some momentum with the fundraising if this is to happen. It’s so important for the future of Dover Athletic.”

The chairman knew he was taking on a high-pressure role when he decided to take over Dover Athletic – and even though this season has been a pleasure he still finds little time to relax.

And he admitted: “I will never be relaxed on matchdays. I always arrive about three hours before the game after visiting the stadium in the morning to check that everything is ok.

“On matchdays, I like to make sure we are doing everything as professionally and to as higher standard as possible. That is what I expect from everyone involved with the club.”

Basement club Molesey visit Crabble on Saturday (3pm).

Article courtesy of Justin Allen - www.doverathletic.com

Meanwhile, you can watch highlights of the Tooting & Mitcham United victory by visiting www.dafctv.vo.uk