Dover Athletic speak out as they look for their third assistant manager within a month in a pre-season full of U-turns for the club.
The National League South club are having a summer to forget so far with four people leaving shortly after signing for them.
Ade Shokunbi, a new deal for player of the season Myles Judd, and the arrival of former EFL player Ricky Holmes as player-assistant.
Shokunbi instead stunned Dover by signing for Dulwich Hamlet, Judd linked up with Hemel Hempstead and Holmes left after just three days, with manager Mitch Brundle saying his “upcoming wedding” was the reason why.
He was replaced last month by Lee Flavin, but Dover’s Twitter account announced on Sunday morning (July 30): “It is with great sadness that assistant manager @Lee_Flavin has had to step down due to mental health reasons. Good luck in the future Lee. It’s always good to talk.”
Dover add: “We’d like to put on record our sincere thanks to former assistant manager Lee Flavin for his hard work throughout our preseason campaign – including his help with recruitment via his platform Non League Chance. His diligent work with our young players did not go unnoticed. We wish him every success in his future endeavours 🤝
“In the light of yesterdays post regarding Mental Health, please find a link below for an A-Z of organisations that can help, as well as the mainstream charities that are out there. It’s good to talk. ❤️”
We Welcome Lee Flavin to the club as Mitch Brundle’s new assistant manager.
Welcome, Lee 🤝 pic.twitter.com/3eNc1elDn4
— Dover Athletic FC (@DoverAthletic) July 11, 2023
It is with great sadness that assistant manager @Lee_Flavin has had to step down due to mental health reasons. Good luck in the future Lee. It’s always good to talk.
— Dover Athletic FC (@DoverAthletic) July 30, 2023
We’d like to put on record our sincere thanks to former assistant manager Lee Flavin for his hard work throughout our preseason campaign – including his help with recruitment via his platform Non League Chance. His diligent work with our young players did not go unnoticed. We… pic.twitter.com/zxCWECDDRo
— Dover Athletic FC (@DoverAthletic) July 31, 2023
In the light of yesterdays post regarding Mental Health, please find a link below for an A-Z of organisations that can help, as well as the mainstream charities that are out there. It’s good to talk. ❤️https://t.co/9Jcsj7mbEh pic.twitter.com/i6pSw1xksJ
— Dover Athletic FC (@DoverAthletic) July 31, 2023
Flavin said on Twitter: “I turned down a lot of Step 2 and 3 management opportunities this summer and decided to choose Dover.
“Unfortunately, from the first day, I knew it was a risk, considering where the club is at. The three-four weeks I’ve been here, it has been very different and it’s affected my mental health.
“Football is a challenge I’d never shy away from – but some things I can’t deal with and the conditions have become unworkable for me. Anything that affects you mentally isn’t worth it.
“I’m very embarrassed to be announced for five minutes and to be departing so soon. It’s sad and hurts as I’d like to turn this ship around but, for my own mental state, this is important to me.
“I’d like to thank the fans and the important people who’s work that doesn’t go unnoticed in my eyes. Thanks @george__cory @TheRiverEnd1 @DebsHarrison118 @paulharrison118 @theWishyman80 @DoverAthletic for your kindness and your time you spent getting to know me.”
This is what fans had to say as Dover Athletic speak out as they look for their third assistant manager within a month…
@tomo_neill: He says he was fine prior to joining Dover 2 weeks ago. It’s amazing what working for Community Jim can do to one’s health 😭😭
@MooreScouting: Football can be tough so no shame in taking a break. Best wishes
@Cayf85: The Jim Parmenter effect.
@B_Bowman94: Another example of Mitch allowing himself to be walked all over by others.
@sharkastic: Lee – it was a bold choice for you to have joined the dumpster fire that is Dover Athletic and it’s no reflection on you that it didn’t work out. I hope you find somewhere less chaotic in the future
@ChuckyShed: And now one of the young player’s dad (presumably academy) has called out the culture at Dover. We really are Toxic FC. What happened to the days of Hooky, Payne, Modeste, Elder etc who had such a cracking bond within the club?
@jonnycyclone: Anyone from the club want to explain why we’re looking for our third assistant manager of pre season? Or why Lee lasted a couple of weeks when he stated he was fine when he joined? Must be a complete mess behind the scenes.
@RobHosking1: All the best, Lee 🤞
@charlienaylor3: Short but sweet, all the best @Lee_Flavin. Learnt a lot in a short time, sure our paths will cross again. Top man 🫡
@PeterOjemen3: Glad to have finally worked with you Flavs, one of the better guys in football. All the best in your next journey 👊🏽 @Lee_Flavin
Two Words ( The Chairman ) 👎 pic.twitter.com/kL8zamLBEh
— Dean Charters (@Deanochart19) July 30, 2023
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