Parmenter plays down Kinnear link

Wednesday 05th April 2006

Dover Athletic are gearing up for what amounts to a cup run-style end of the season in a bid to grab promotion, writes Justin Allen - www.doverathletic.com

The club have six games left in Ryman One this season - and hopefully two play-off matches after that - and they need to win nearly all those games to stand a chance of going up.

Chairman Jim Parmenter has called upon the town to get up to Crabble for the final home games of the season, starting against Tooting & Mitcham United on Saturday.

He said: "We need the fans to generate a cup-style atmosphere. We're in a situation now, where we've got to win games and the team are on a good run at the moment.

"It's been a frustrating season for all of us but it could still have a happy ending if we all stick together for these final games. It's the business end of the season now - and if we win our remaining matches we've a great chance of achieving what we set out for, promotion back to the Premier Division.

"But it's not going to be easy and that's why we call on the fans to get up here in their droves, because Crabble can generate a great atmosphere when we get big crowds up here. It's one of the best non-league grounds in the country when it's packed out.

"So my message to fans is get up to the ground, bring a friend and cheer the boys on. I know Clive Walker and the lads will get a huge boost to see everyone behind them."

Meanwhile, the Whites chairman has already received a number of emails following Margate's announcement that they have suspended their manager and former Whites boss Chris Kinnear from his duties.

Rumours have already linked Kinnear with a return to Crabble but Mr Parmenter insists neither he nor anyone else at Dover Athletic have spoken to him or are planning to speak to him.

Mr Parmenter said: "I can honestly say I've not spoken to Chris at all. We've got an excellent manager in Clive Walker and the club are right behind him.

"It is inevitable that Chris will always be linked with a return to Dover but there's absolutely no truth in any suggestion that we've spoken to him. And we're certainly not planning to speak to Chris about the manager's position here - because Clive is our manager."

Dover Athletic v Tooting & Mitcham United
Ryman League Division One
Saturday 8th April 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Crabble, Lewisham Road, Dover