The message is clear - we want promotion, says Dover Athletic chairman

The Whites travel to Sussex to play Horsham YMCA, and chairman, Mr Jim Parmenter insists player-manager Andy Hessenthaler is the man to clinch promotion.

"The message is clear - we remain ambitious and are looking forward to making progress on and off-the field, which hopefully will result in promotion," he told www.doverathletic.com.

"I have asked Andy to build as strong and entertaining squad that can (to) compete well in this league and beyond, as well as providing an environment where young players can develop.

"Most of all I have asked for us to be as professional as possible in all areas of the club. I want to get as near to a full-time attitude as we can manage.

"Andy has set himself the goal of promotion this year and I will do everything in my power to assist him to achieve that aim."

Dover Athletic have failed to win promotion back into the Ryman Premier League for the past two seasons, having lost in the play-off’s on both occasions.

"We always knew that it was going to be a lot tougher to get up than it was to get relegated, and there are no guarantees in football," admitted Mr Parmenter.

"When we were "new kids on the block," because we had a bit of senior football history and a very nice ground, as well as perhaps a little disbelief that we managed to get relegated three times in four years, everyone wanted to give us a hiding just to prove a point.

"But I think things have settled down now and a few more people understand that we are just a passionate football club who believe in what we are trying to achieve.

"I think that there are other "big fish" such as Worthing, whose manager has guaranteed them promotion, and Ashford, whose chairman has spent half a million pounds this season who, perhaps, will get some focus this season."

With a full-time manager in Hessenthaler at the helm, bringing "continuity, involvement in all areas of the club and a professional environment," the Whites are playing better football this season.

"People have turned up (and) are clearly enjoying the type of football that Andy has brought to the club, and indeed are the directors," said Mr Parmenter.

"My only one note of caution would be that football is about winning and although we have created a lot, we have only won one in seven, all be it against teams from higher divisions.

"But I am certain that the goals will come and once we start the campaign proper, we can all look forward to the entertaining football continuing."

Mr Parmenter has, however, issued a rallying cry to the people of the town, and that the club attracts four-figure crowds to the SeaFrance Crabble Stadium this season.

He said: "The floating supporters will come to watch entertaining football but more importantly a winning team. I think we will have both this year.