National League club admit they have run out of money

Dover Athletic admit they have ‘run out of money’ due to a lack of matchday income as a result of the National League being suspended.

Chairman of the club, Jim Parmenter, is planning on putting his staff on leave with help from the government and admitted he is seeking financial assistance as they struggle to pay player contracts, especially when he isn’t sure when non league football will return.

It has suggested that clubs would be able to put players into temporary leave which means the government pays 80 per cent of wages as long as the businesses agree to take employees back into work, something which Parmenter says his club has been informed they do qualify for.

He said: “I have offered all footballing staff participation in the government’s “furlough” scheme, the details of this are not complete, but I have been informed that it will be applicable in our case.

“The club has run out of money, with no income at all and none likely for the foreseeable future.

“I know some funding is being gathered by some of our loyal supporters for which we are extremely thankful and this will become very important in the months to come.

“My task is to try and navigate us through this difficult time and ensure a footballing future for the town’s club, this will require the cooperation and support of all of our employees footballing and non footballing, as well as much help from the town and community.

“To this end our non football staff have agreed to be redeployed in the vital task of food distribution and will be able to return when the crisis is over.

“With no funding being offered from the world of football we will need to take advantage of all the fantastic help being offered by the government and by doing this coupled with some financial support from myself and Sally (his wife) I believe we can get through this to play football again.”

Parmenter has spoken to his management and player representatives but no they are yet to agree, but he acknowledges football isn’t top of people’s thoughts right now.

Chairman Jim Parmenter reveals the current situation at the club during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read the statement here ?https://t.co/C1ld5WFLZf pic.twitter.com/U99B6oft0E

— Dover Athletic FC (@DoverAthletic) March 28, 2020

He added: “Obviously football becomes almost irrelevant at times like this, but like all other enterprises many people find their livelihoods from the game and will need to try and do so when things return to normal.

“Many of you will know I am involved in the governance of the National League so my thoughts on how league matters should be brought to conclusion must remain my own for the time being, but I do intend to speak out when the time is right.

“All I can say is that I find the staggering self interest being displayed by those who can afford to continue to pursue gain from the season by threatening legal action if they don’t get their own way against good people trying to do their best in unprecedented circumstances disgusting beyond further words.

“Some have said the Football Association have failed to show true leadership and gone scuttling behind their antiquated rule books to hide from reality, but I couldn’t possibly comment on that.”

A JustGiving page has been set up to help fund the club, nearly £4,000 has been raised so far, click HERE to donate!

Fans reacted as Dover Athletic admit they have run out of money…

We have to count blessings at this point. Football is not that important. However, where would Notts be if this had happened 12 months ago?

— Eamonn Burke (@eamstan) March 28, 2020

Couldn't agree more with JPs statement, all that he says and implies! Thank you to Jim and team for attempting to steer this club safely thru a truly terrible time!

— Norm (@N0rmish) March 28, 2020

Keep doing your best Jim. You're a great example of intelligent & pragmatic leadership. Hopefully we'll be able to steer a course through this storm. COYW!

— R’amblin Red (@Neil_C_NFFC) March 28, 2020

Fantastic efforts by everyone – these are difficult times for us all – we really appreciate fans coming together to do what they can. We're really hoping the footballing authorities offer some assistance some time soon!

— Dover Athletic FC (@DoverAthletic) March 27, 2020

Excellent effort!

— Jodie Fell (@JodieFell) March 27, 2020

@DoverdownsR tweeted: Well done to you Jim and the team!- a very sincere and informed letter from a manager having to lead from the front. A very honest outlook for everyone..like others I also agree with the current view

Dudley Futcher: Well said Jim. I’m sure our loyal fans are right behind you and the board, and will do all we can to support you and the club at this difficult time. I hope you are all safe and well, as I hope everyone in any way connected with Dover Athletic is too. Hopefully, we can all come together for the common good and our fantastic football club will survive this and go from strength to strength in the future. #inittogether #onetownoneteamonedover

Andrew Stucken: Come on everyone who hasn’t contributed – consider giving something – whatever you can afford – after all, we aren’t going to be spending any money whatsoever supporting DAFC for the rest of the season apart from this. It’s also moral support for the club hierarchy when most needed.

Clive Pilcher: Good to know we have a Chairman who cares about his club. Well said, and I hope you, your family, everyone connected with the Whites, and all fans and followers are safe and well.

Phil Smith: Well in Jim. Good statement that. We will come through this stronger than ever.