Dulwich Hamlet appoint Hakan Hayrettin as their third manager of the season

DULWICH HAMLET chairman Ben Clasper has appointed former Maidstone United boss Hakan Hayrettin as the clubs new manager.

The Champion Hill Stadium outfit parted company with Paul Barnes on Wednesday after extending their winless run to 10 games after losing 2-0 at Hampton & Richmond Borough at the weekend.

Barnes was in charge for 31 games in all competitions and the side won 11, drew three and lost 17 games.

Hayrettin has most recently been manager at The Stones, with whom he achieved promotion to the National League last season and was voted the National League South manager of the year.

However, he departed the Kent side on 9 January 2023 with the club struggling within the relegation zone of the top-flight.

The 53-year-old has also experience of the higher echelons of non-league football, having had two spells in charge of Braintree Town and was part of John Still’s coaching team at Luton Town when they won the National League title back in 2014.

Prior to that, Hayrettin enjoyed success at Grays Athletic, winning the Isthmian League Division One North title in 2013.

“I am excited to be at Dulwich Hamlet,” said Hayrettin in a statement.

“The project here is incredibly appealing.  We have a committed and passionate fanbase, who have a clear expectation for the club.

“First and foremost though, my immediate focus is the weekend.”

Chairman Clasper added: “Hakan has great pedigree at this level, with a track level of success sand with the club in its current position and its aspirations for his we feel we should perform at this level, Hakan is best placed to deliver on both fronts.”

The Hamlet are in the bottom six (nineteenth-place) in the sixth tier, having picked up nine wins and five draws from their 33 league games.

Dulwich Hamlet are only a couple of points clear of the relegation zone, which contains Chippenham Town, Weymouth, Hungerford Town and Concord Rangers.

Hayrettin’s first game in charge of the side will be at home to ninth-placed side St Albans City on Saturday (15:00).

He will be the club's third manager of the season, behind the legendary Gavin Rose and Barnes.

Meanwhile, Rose's assistant manager, Junior Kadi has joined manager Hayden Bird at Isthmian League South Central Division side Leatherhead in the role of sporting director.

Visit Dulwich Hamlet’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet