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DHST Chair article from Tuesday’s match day programme

16th Nov 2017

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Over the past few weeks, the Club has entered a period of uncertainty. For those who are not aware, the operators of the Football Club and owners of Champion Hill (Meadow Residential) have announced the withdrawal of all financial assistance. They have handed back responsibility and payment of the players and staff to the Club’s owner, Nick McCormack. This action potentially threatens the Club’s ability to compete at a level which matches our ambition. The Trust Board has been working hard, alongside the Football Committee, to find a solution. However, this has been made harder by the fact that key information, and clarity on the situation, has not been forthcoming. We will continue to work hard and try our best to reach a positive outcome.

What has also become clear since the statement from the Football Committee last Monday, and the local and national media attention that has followed, is just how much people care about Dulwich Hamlet. The level of support for the Club has been overwhelming; not just from our own supporters and the local community, but from the wider football community around the world. This support suggests that, should the situation worsen, we will not go without a fight. The response to fundraising efforts has been terrific and we are very fortunate to have the 12th man scheme already in place. It provides a direct way of funding the team to make up any shortfall that has resulted from recent events.

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Alongside many new members, the last week saw a huge surge in sales of merchandise at our online shop (www.dhfcshop.co.uk). This was partly fuelled by receiving the latest batch of replica shirts, which are now available to buy. Remember, by purchasing merchandise from the shop tonight, you are also helping direct funds back to the Football Committee.

If you are reading this after the match and did not have the opportunity to drop some money into the 12th man bucket, you can still contribute online using Paypal. The best way to donate is to log in to Paypal and send a ‘friends and family’ payment to dhfc12@hotmail.com. Of course, if online transactions are not possible for you, the 12th man bucket will be back at the next home game as usual.

Enjoy tonight’s game.

Alex Crane

DHST Chair