Dulwich Hamlet appoint Mark Dacey as their new manager

DULWICH HAMLET chairman Ben Clasper has appointed Mark Dacey as their new manager yesterday.

 

Dacey has previously managed Sevenoaks Town (Isthmian League South East Division), Forest Hill Park (Southern Counties East Football League First Division) and Isthmian League North Division Rayners Lane.

“Whilst we have been overwhelmed by the number and quality of people expressing an interest in the role, many of whom have delivered timed and time again at other clubs, we wanted to honour our commitment to rebooting our approach, rediscovering what Dulwich Hamlet means and delivering what matters most to the club and the fans,” said Mr Clasper in a statement.

“Although we have been tracking over 50 candidates since our search began earlier this year, our interest in Mark dates to when he arrived at Champion Hill eager to learn under Gavin Rose and Junior Kadi.

“We have kept a close eye on him since leaving to move into management and the feedback from everyone that has worked with him and played for him has been universally positive.

“It was Mark’s performance at Rayners Lane during extremely difficult circumstances since joining in January, winning two thirds of his league games, averaging more than three goals a  game along the way and winning the Middlesex FA Cup that catapulted him into top spot on shortlists of clubs higher up the pyramid than us.

“We knew the race to secure his signature would be a competitive one but his belief in the pink and blue and our mutual desire to rebuild the brand of football we want to be known for made the difference for both of us.

“We look forward to welcoming Mark back to the club and re-introducing him to supporters as we start sharing more news about our close season preparations for the coaching squad, the squad and an exciting pre-season line up for the team.”

Dulwich Hamlet finished one place above the Isthmian League Premier Division relegation zone, finishing in the bottom five, having picked up 44 points from their 44 league games, winning 12, drawing eight and losing 22.

Hendon (39), Hastings United (34), Bognor Regis Town (32) and Bowers & Pitsea (26) were all relegated from the seventh-tier of English football.

Ramsgate claimed the Isthmian League South East Division title and they will be joined in the Premier Division by Burgess Hill Town, who beat Sittingbourne on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Woodstock Park in the Play-Off Final last Friday night.

Visit Dulwich Hamlet’s website: www.dulwichhamletfc.co.uk