Many of you will be aware of the unsavoury and abusive incident that took place at Princes Park Dartford on Saturday last during the away defeat at Dartford, whereby those present in the Away Directors Seating, as well as the Managers, were subject to a torrent of verbal abuse.
At times like that, it is hard to understand why people would wish to continue contributing many hours a week as well as hundreds of thousands of pounds into trying to move Dover Athletic forward to be even more successful as me and my family do. For me being accused of “being in it for the money” just about takes the biscuit.
I appreciate that the opinions of these morons are not shared by the vast majority of Dover Supporters who are fully supportive, and I thank the many people who have sent messages of support. However, it has made me stop and look around at what is happening at our Club at the moment, and the situation is causing me a great concern.
I do not believe my record as Chairman needs to be justified to anyone. Indeed, over the past six seasons, I think the Club’s record speaks for itself. However, it seems to me that people have forgotten the pact I made with Supporters when I rescued the Club in 2005. The deal was: “I will do my bit, but you must continue to do yours”. Unfortunately, as the Club has become more successful people’s desire to help the Club, either by an active Supporters’ Club contributing funds or individuals willing to volunteer for the many things that are needed, has all but disappeared. This means, of course, that more and more of the workload falls upon myself and the few people left who work tirelessly for the Club.
Things are not going quite to plan on the pitch, but remember it was only this time last year that we drew Huddersfield in the third round of the F.A.Cup.
Dover fans and players celebrate.
I don’t buy all of the defeatist “the season’s over” rubbish. Still half the season to go and well within reach of the playoffs.
We are where we are. Matters on the pitch are being addressed as quickly as possible and there is no doubt the Players know that it is time to stand up and be counted. But the same goes for all of our Supporters and everyone connected with the Club.
Negativity breeds negativity. The slating of players on the websites breeds lack of confidence on the pitch, and lots of people out there delight in the negativity inbuilt within the psyche of too many of our supporters which, if not curbed, will eventually destroy the Club.
The chips are down. We simply must work harder than ever before. All of us must stand shoulder to shoulder, support our Club without distraction and we will succeed.
Think not ‘what can my Club do for me’. Think ‘what can I do for my Club’.
Best wishes
Jim Parmenter
Chairman D.A.F.C.
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Many of you will be aware of the unsavoury and abusive incident that took place at Princes Park Dartford on Saturday last during the away defeat at Dartford, whereby those present in the Away Directors Seating, as well as the Managers, were subject to a torrent of verbal abuse. 
