Hessenthaler hails chairman's free football gesture

DOVER ATHLETIC chairman Jim Parmenter admitted yesterday that he was disappointed with recent attendances at fortress Perrys Crabble, writes Stephen McCartney.

A crowd of 1,208 watched the Whites stretch their 100% home league record to nine games with a thrilling 4-2 win over their Kentish rivals Dartford yesterday.

But Mr Parmenter, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk yesterday, believes that was down to the horrible wet weather conditions that put paid to numerous games.

“I was a little bit disappointed with the crowd today, but then the weather was awful wasn’t it, two hours before the game so it must have put a few people of,” he said.

The chairman has decided to make Tuesday night’s home game against Tooting & Mitcham United FREE FOR ALL SUPPORTERS TO WATCH.

“The idea of making the game free was to make it more affordable for people to attend the other games we’ve had before Christmas,” explained Mr Parmenter.

“To be honest the crowds both Tuesday night and today, given it was a derby, have been a little disappointing.”

He added: “I don’t know whether we can afford it or not, but it was meant to be a sort of recognition to our supporters that things are tough and we have got a lot of home games.

“The idea was that the crowds would be better for the other games because people would be able to afford to go to them.

“Whether that will work or not we’ll see when we go through the next couple of weeks.”

With the club 13 points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier League table, its not surprising that Dover Athletic are the best supported club in the division, with an average gate of 1,096.

Player-manager, Andy Hessenthaler, admitted his chairman’s gesture was a good idea.

“I think it’s a tremendous gesture,” Hessenthaler told www.kentishfootball.co.uk yesterday. “I’m sure the Tooting fans will say the same. It bodes well for a good crowd on Tuesday after winning today as well.

“The chairman’s basically done it because we’ve got a lot of home games coming up in the period over Christmas.

“With the economy at the moment, the price of watching football is not cheap, so he’s decided to throw in a freebie for the fans and I’m sure they’ll really appreciate that and hopefully there will be a good crowd on Tuesday night.”

Hessenthaler explained his reasons behind putting bit-part former Llanelli striker, Nathan Bailey, on the transfer list.

“It’s just feel he’s not going to get much of a look in here,“ he said.

“He travels from Reading every week, not easy for the lad. We’ll look to get another club for him. He’s going to try and help himself as well.

“It’s about opinions. It’s unfortunate for the club it’s not worked out for him.

“He does need to move closer to Reading. It can’t be easy for the lad, it’s a long journey for him and when he’s not playing it can’t be easy.

“We have to make decisions and some are right and some are wrong, but as far as I’m concerned it’s the right decision for both parties.”

Hessenthaler, meanwhile, revealed he will revert back alongside assistant Darren Hare for Tuesday night’s match, having pulled the strings in midfield against the Darts.

“John Keister wasn’t 100% right today, Alan Pouton wasn’t ready yet, so John will come back in,” revealed the boss. “I’ll be surprised if you see me out there on Tuesday night.”

But Hessenthaler relished every minute playing against one of the club’s that he played for as a semi-professional, before turning professional

And he has much affection for the club, their manager, Tony Burman and assistant, Paul Sawyer.

“Don’t take anything away from Dartford, they’re a good side,” said Hessenthaler.

“Tony’s a good man and he’s a good manager and I’ve known him for years and I’ve actually played with Tony so I know him well - and Paul Sawyer.

“Credit to them, they came to try and win the game. There’s not many teams that come to Dover and try to win.

“They’ve got some fantastic support, they’re a very well supported side, they’re a good club.

“They’ve got a very good manager and assistant manager and I think it’s a credit to both clubs, both sets of fans we’re tremendous today.

“Games between the two clubs are great spectacles, a great advert for the league and credit to both clubs.”

Visit Dover Athletic’s websites: www.doverathletic.com & www.dafctv.co.uk

Dover Athletic v Tooting & Mitcham United
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 16^th December 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Perrys Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB