I have taken the club as far as I possibly can, says Deal Town chairman Dayle Melody

DAYLE MELODY says he has taken Deal Town as far as he can after announcing that he has stepped down as the club’s chairman tonight.



The Charles Sports Ground outfit are in 12^th place (bottom six) in the Southern Counties East Football League table with five wins and nine defeats and are on their second manager of the season after long-serving stalwart Derek Hares was replaced by Albie Barker last October.

“I have taken the club as far as I possibly can and accept fresh legs will push the club to that next level it deserves,” Mr Melody said in a statement, which was published on the club’s website.

“I leave as chairman with the club in a much better state as when I took over, that’s all anyone can ask from me.  I will still be involved but at a much lesser capacity. 

“My wife Donna has been very supportive and I need to make family time now and support her.

“I thank the board and wish Albie (Barker) Muzza (Paul Murray) and all the players every success in the future.

“I will still only ever support one club, win lose or draw, it’s Deal Town FC all day.”

Mr Melody says he has been working tirelessly on behalf of the club in different capacities over the past seven years.

He said: “On and off for the past seven years I’ve enjoyed my voluntary input and being part of a great community.

“Life at Deal Town FC started as a director, but soon progressed to head of catering, supporters club chairman and finally to a very proud club chairman.

“Having titles didn’t and don’t mean a thing. At Deal Town rubbish still needs clearing up and drains unblocking but I was here to help.

“I have met some great people and have extremely fond memories. 

“I will miss Del (Derek Hares) most. We had a great relationship and had many a meeting over a cup of tea, scrambled egg on toast in the office (café).”

Mr Melody added: “During my two year spell (as chairman) the club enjoyed sustainable growth and expansion, from two adult senior teams to now enjoying Deal Town Football Club youth.

“Under director of youth Seb Tidey, 2012 saw Deal start its very own Saturday Soccer School and in 2013 with the help of the FA develop and grow into three youth teams at under 7s, 8s and 9s with further teams planned as part of our development and goal of being a FA recognised Charter Standard Community Club.

“In 2013 Alan Moss announced his terminal illness and sadly passed in December. Alan gave me and Deal Town his all and without his support we would not have secured a three-year sponsorship deal.  He even managed to persuade Neville Southall to assist us.

“With Alan’s blessing, Neville asked Tony Shailer to take over as commercial manager and as really taken Deal to the next level.  As Tony says “he’s banging the Deal drum.”

“Some great links and partnerships have been formed and with Gareth Fowler as treasurer in control of the finances the pennies will be looking after themselves.

“Vice chairman Aaron Skirrow, in partnership with Dover District Council managed to secure funding from the Coal Field regeneration trust to enhance our youth training area, which has made a massive difference and many, many young people will enjoy those pitches for many generations.”

Visit Deal Town’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/dealtown