Dulwich Hamlet reassure fans of a positive future for the club

A meeting will be held inside the clubhouse at 17:15 following the home game against East Thurrock United on Saturday 22 February.

Manager Gavin Rose guided the club to the Ryman League Division One South title last season and are battling it out for the Ryman Premier League title this season.

The Hamlet are in second-place in the table with 60 points from 29 games, level on points with Maidstone United, but with a game in hand.

But while Rose has worked has magic with his talented team on the pitch, local newspaper reports have revealed struggles off the pitch.

Dulwich Hamlet insisted last Thursday that their home game against Bury Town would go ahead.

However, yesterday’s game was postponed following a pitch inspection due to a waterlogged pitch, as the wettest winter for 250 years continues to take its toll on struggling non-league clubs.

A statement on the club’s website said: “Some of you may have seen sensational headlines in the Southwark News stating: “Gas cut-off could see Bury fixture postponed.’

“Dulwich Hamlet fans can be reassured that the game on Saturday will play.

“Matters regarding outstanding bills have been resolved and the only reason for a postponement will be a waterlogged pitch, which is beyond the control of the Football Club – even though our fans think Gavin Rose is ‘god,’ he has no control over the weather!

“Fans will be aware, from discussions on unofficial internet forums, that there is much activity off the pitch with regard to matters like the lease of the ground.

“We hope to make an announcement imminently to reassure fans and to look forward to a positive future for Dulwich Hamlet Football Club.”

Southern Counties East club Fisher hire the stadium and chairman Ben Westmancott revealed on the club’s website www.fisherfc.co.uk  last week that the club will continue to play at Champion Hill.

He said: “Members and supporters may be aware, through the Southwark News and message board postings, that the freehold of Champion Hill has been sold by administrators for Dulwich Hamlet FC’s landlords to a new company.

“You may also have read reports regarding difficulties with the utilities at Champion Hill.

“These reports are very worrying for all concerned and we are hoping for the best outcome for the club, its supporters and the local community.

“As for Fisher FC, I’ve received assurances from a Dulwich Hamlet FC representative that Fisher will be able to play our remaining home fixtures at Champion Hill.

“This news is very welcome but we are approaching the situation with caution and we will keep our members and supporters posted as we find out more.”

Dulwich Hamlet said today that supporters can thrash out their concerns to the club’s committee at the meeting.

“With much conjecture regarding the future, the football committee would like to invite all interested parties to a meeting on 22^nd February.

“In recent days there has been much comment regarding both the club’s financial position and the future of the stadium.

“The meeting will take place following the home game against East Thurrock and bring everybody up to date with the current information available about the club’s position and proposals to secure its long term future.”

The Hamlet are scheduled to face fifth-from-bottom Thamesmead Town at Champion Hill on Tuesday night (7:45pm).

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