Bromley announce Jerry Dolke is to step down from director of football role after 20 years of blood, sweat and tears at Hayes Lane

BROMLEY have announced that director of football and former chairman Jerry Dolke will be stepping down from his role at the end of May.

 

“Jerry, a former Bromley player, became chairman of Bromley Football Club in 2001, and alongside his wife Julia, oversaw the rise from part-time football to the club’s highest ever level, the National League,” said a club statement.

“During Jerry’s reign, the club were never relegated, and in fact, were promoted no less than three times. The first of these was in 2005, where the Ravens reached the Ryman League Premier Division, before moving up to the Conference South in 2007.

“The Ravens then made their first ever foray into the pinnacle of Non-League football, the National League, as champions of the Conference South in 2015. This was then followed by a Wembley appearance in 2018 where over 20,000 fans backed the club in the FA Trophy final. 

“Off the field, Jerry gained the freehold to the stadium in 2006, which was a significant development in securing the future of the club.

“Jerry also played a significant part in the installation of the 3G training facility, securing an on-site training pitch for the team, as well as for the club’s ever-growing Academy, community and youth sections. 

“In July 2019, Jerry transferred chairmanship of the club to Robin Stanton-Gleaves, but remained at Hayes Lane as director of football, where he has supported the management team in bringing players to Hayes Lane.

“Jerry moves on after over 20 years with the club, and is undoubtedly a legend at Hayes Lane, who will be greatly missed. 

“Everyone at Hayes Lane would like to wish Jerry all the very best for the future and thank him and his wife Julia for all they have done for the club.”

Chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves, added: “From the moment I met Jerry, it was clear just how much the club meant to him and how it had been a huge part of his life for many years.

“I was grateful to have his trust and blessing in taking on the mantle and becoming chairman, just as Jerry did from Glyn Beverly and I hope I can do just as good a job when the time comes to pass on the baton.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Jerry and Julia for their blood, sweat and tears over the years, and not to mention their significant financial investment during this time. Needless to say, we will be celebrating and honouring Jerry’s contribution, and give him the send-off he deserves.”

Meanwhile, Bromley are currently in ninth-place in the Vanarama National League table, having collected 15 wins, seven draws and seven defeats from their 29 games and are three points adrift of the play-offs.

Andy Woodman’s side beat their league rivals Solihull Moors 3-1 in The FA Trophy Quarter-Finals at the weekend and have been drawn at home to Vanarama National League North side York City in the one-legged Semi-Finals.  That clash will take place at Hayes Lane on Saturday 2 April 2022.

The winners will face Wrexham or Stockport County at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 22 May 2022.

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