Worrying news emerged on Monday, as one National League club could fold after making all of their players available for free transfer.
It comes after many reports was published during the coronavirus pandemic, stating that there would be clubs at risk of going under.
The club chairman issued a statement on Monday in which he said the club have to go down that route at the end of this month if their financial situation doesn’t improve.
Dover Athletic have announced that all of their players have been made available for free transfer, with the club’s future in serious doubt:https://t.co/pivje09pXs pic.twitter.com/UsEktZukvM
— NonLeagueDaily.com (@NonLeagueNews) August 3, 2020
A statement from Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter explains the stark situation at the National League side:“The Board have been busy assessing the clubs financial position and immediate future due to the very difficult circumstances of the COVID 19 pandemic.
“The club is still unsure of its income in the coming season but the Board are clear income will greatly reduced.
“The club has 14 players under contract for next season and at a meeting last week the clubs position was explained in detail to the players and staff.
“At that meeting the players and staff were asked to accept a 20% short-term reduction in salary to assist the club in its efforts to stay solvent and keep the club alive bearing in mind the club will move from four to three days training.
“The management have accepted the proposal, however, unfortunately the players have not agreed.
“Therefore it is with great regret that I must announce that all of the squad are now available for free transfer as an initial immediate step.
“I must further inform supporters that if a solution or further investment cannot be found by the end of August it is likely that the Directors will consider the club insolvent and as a consequence will be forced to cease trading.
“The directors are doing everything they can to keep the club afloat, but have reached an impasse and require the support of our playing squad.
“Season ticket purchases are fully protected and a full refund will be issued if the worse happens, so supporters can continue to purchase in confidence.”
RELEASE PLAYERS:
“The following players remain contracted to the club for season 2020-2021:
Yusif Mersin
Lee Worgan
Josh Passley
Bobby-Joe Taylor
Will De Havilland
Michael Woods
Nassim L’Ghoul
Jack Munns
Kurtis Cumberbatch
Paul Rooney
Joe Bedford
Oscar Gobern
Steven Rigg
Bilel Hinchiri
Marshall Wratten
The following players have returned to their parent clubs on conclusion of their respective loan deals:
Ashley Maynard-Brewer (Charlton)
Dominic Poleon (Newport County)
Shadrach Ogie (Leyton Orient)
“We thank them all for their contributions this season and wish them well for the future.”
“The following first team players are out of contract and have left the club:
Kevin Lokko
Inih Effiong
Anthony Jeffrey
Ricky Modeste
Aaron Simpson
Jai Reason
Ade Yusuff
Fans have since given their reaction since hearing that the National League club could fold after making all players available for free transfer…
Either take a cut or I’ll fold the club
— John McNicoll (@theWishyman80) August 3, 2020
Just spotted that bit. Means they need them off the wage bill ASAP. They must be seriously in the mire.
— BristolExile (@TerraStatman) August 3, 2020
That. That is not a good statement.
— Charles (@ChuckyShed) August 3, 2020
It is extremely sad for them but I admire their honesty. I remain perplexed that more non league clubs are not announcing similar, unless they are burying their heads in the sand.
— Ryan Hounsell (@RyanPboro) August 3, 2020
Awful news.
— ?Roshi? (@robshrl) August 3, 2020
While Premier league club Manchester United look to spend near 100 million pounds on 1 single player, National league club Dover, are on the verge of ceasing to exist. Less than 1% of that transfer fee would probably keep Dover afloat for 3-5 years. Games gone?? #Dover #football https://t.co/MzAQty2T5h
— BJ (@bronj2000) August 3, 2020
@JoePriestley_: Sad news for all connected with Dover. For the sake of the club I hope the situation is fixed soon
@tlmfootball: The site is down so I can’t see the statement but if the comments are anything to go by, Dover might not be around for much longer. Won’t be the last team to go bust either sadly
@samdruiff: I fucking hate dover but this is sad to see
@Calvey94: FA have their own financial issues, they’ve lost big income from the loss of fans attending their cups, England matches that they’ll never get back and they’ve made a lot of staff redundant. Many clubs will be following Dover and the FA won’t have the money to save everyone
@DarranPearce: Sad news coming from Dover. Disappointing from the players not to accept a pay cut in the circumstances
@spasypaddy: And we thought we had it bad. Hope Dover pull through.
@BoroFCcentral: “If a solution or further investment cannot be found by the end of August it is likely that the Directors will consider the club insolvent and as a consequence will be forced to cease trading.” All 14 Dover players are now available for free transfer. Worrying
@MbwLdurham: Wow, but I think this could be the tip of the ice berg and a few clubs heading that way soon
@NatashaDrwhofan: As a ebbsfleet fan i know what you are going through. We had big financial problems which we had to reduce players wages and most didnt want a reduced wages so gary hill had to make his players free to leave and cause of those players leaving we ended up relegated.
@JamieD004: I can’t help but think there has been some poor financial decisions prior to Covid that has led to this. Are players on contracts not on Furlough if that’s the main expense currently? Hate to think how much Jim & the fans have pumped into this club & we are still in this state?
@thatguyuk: I would gloat to those that mocked us in the past, but this is not good at all, the whole economy is fragile at the moment and hoping Dover are able to resolve this.
@NathanHoltYt: Some are messaging me expecting me to gloat as Dover fans have laughed at our relegations and our financial troubles. Horrible to see a Kent club in Trouble. If It were to happen would a reprieve for a fleet be likely?

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