Kentish Football 
15thJan04
Margate's troubled season has taken another twist with the shock resignation of chairman Jim Parmenter, writes Mark Stokes and Peter Barnett.
Mr Parmenter sent a letter to his fellow directors of the Nationwide Conference club informing them of his decision on Tuesday but he has so far failed to say why.
His announcement came just two days before a crucial cabinet meeting of Thanet council could decide whether the club's multi-millionaire redevelopment project for Hartsdown can go ahead.
Long serving manager, Chris Kinnear was broken the news by vice-chairman Keith Piper, who has now temporarily taken over as chairman. He admitted Mr Parmenter's resignation came as a shock.
Kinnear, who has been at the club for eight years, said: "I certainly had no inkling that this was coming and I've not got a clue why he's gone because he's not given any reason.
I've not really spoken to him for a while but that's really unusual. He'd missed a few games of late but we assumed that was down to his business."
Football secretary, Ken Tomlinson said he to was at a loss to explain Mr Parmenter's resignation but was worried the timing of the decision could sent out the wrong signal to supporters.
"Jim's done a lot for the club but it does seem strange to go now, when the prospects for the ground re-development are better than they've been for some time."
The council cabinet meeting must decide whether the club have
met all the deadlines that were set by the local authority last autumn. If
the answer is yes, then work can finally resume at Hartsdown. The
club hope to be back there in May but in the meantime they will continue to
groundshare at Dr Martens Premier Division side Dover Athletic.
Mr Parmenter was unavailable to comment.
Thanet council leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel added: "It's a serious situation
for the club as we understand that Mr Parmenter was going to financially assist
the club with the building of the stadium.
"Now we have to look seriously at the options that are left. That's
all I can say at the moment."
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