Ten apply for vacant Dover job

Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter today revealed that ticket prices for games will be increased for the first time in five years to cover the increased running costs of the club, writes Justin Allen.

Mr Parmenter and his board of directors reluctantly raised prices for next season to balance the books and avoid reducing the budget for next season's playing squad.

He told www.doverathletic.com  : "All the uncontrollable costs have gone up – electric, gas, water, bills for structural work at the ground and other costs have all gradually risen during the past few seasons. We need to balance books.

"The costs for maintaining Crabble have risen and if we want to maintain a squad that is capable of getting out of this division, we don’t want to reduce the squad budget.

"We certainly don't want to increase the budget but, at the same time, don't want to decrease it. We hope fans understand why this rise is necessary."

Mr Parmenter admits extra funds last season were invested to cover the club going over-budget – and the Whites chairman insists it is vital that Dover Athletic does not go back down the road of overspending.

He said: "We don't want to be getting into debt again – so budgets must be stuck to this coming season. But, obviously, we want to give the club the best chance of obtaining promotion."

Season tickets, purchased before Monday, June 4, will be available at last season's prices.

Visit www.doverathletic.com  to download the season-ticket application form.

General adult prices have increased from £8 to £9, over-60s is £6, 11-15s £4 and under-11s £1.50. Seat transfers for all ages are £1.

Ground season tickets are as follows (before June 4 price in brackets): Adult £159 (£140), 60-above £106 (£90), 11-16 £69 (£50).

Season tickets (with seat): Adult £189 (£170), 60-above £126 (£105), £84 (£65).

Also, the club plan to introduce a Ground Only Family Season Ticket: 1 Adult & 2 children £228, 2 Adults & 2 Children £350.

Application forms can also be obtained in person from the club shop or the office at the ground or The Special Carrier Ltd, Express House, White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield, Dover. Between 1000hr and 1800hr Monday to Saturday.

Fully completed application forms with payment can be either posted to Dover Athletic Football Club Ltd, Lewisham Road, Dover CT17 0PA or handed in at the Club Office, Club Shop or The Special Carrier Ltd, Whitfield.

Season tickets will be sent out week start Monday July 9th and not before.

Meanwhile, Mr Parmenter revealed he has received 10 enquiries about the vacant managerial job – and some were from high-quality names.

He said: "We have a good idea of the kind of person we want and as high-quality applicants come forward we will talk to them.

"However, we will be waiting until the end of the month before making a decision. Then we intend to move very quickly in installing the new manager for the start of June because there is a lot to sort out.

"The new manager will need to speak to players out of contract and work with us in formulating a new structure at the club."

Meanwhile, the Supporters Trust AGM date has been changed and is now Thursday, 10^th May, 7:45pm in the Centre Spot.

All Trust members are welcome to attend.

Following the nominations for joining the Supporters Trust Board we received four applications for the four available places so there will be no voting required.

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com