Failure Browne says sorry as Dover hit rock bottom

STEVE BROWNE - who was relieved of his duties within minutes of Dover Athletic's 2-1 defeat to Kingstonian on Saturday - admits results whilst in charge of the Hoverspeed Stadium club haven't been good enough, writes Justin Allen.

Browne took over the team at the end of October and the Whites have won just once from 13 league matches, losing nine.

The former Slough Town, Boreham Wood and Hemel Hempstead boss said: "Although I'm naturally disappointed my reign at the club has come to an end, I admit the results have not been good enough and can understand why this decision has been taken.  Managers are judged on their results.

"I wish Dover all the best for the future and sorry things didn't work out.  I'd like to thank the fans for turning up in large numbers to support us.  It shows how big a club Dover are.  It's a pity I won't be playing any further part in its future."

Chairman Jim Parmenter revealed to the press of the club's decision to part company of their manager within minutes of the final whistle sounding at the Hoverspeed Stadium on Saturday.

The Whites now sink to the foot of the Ryman Premier Division table - with 15 games to go - after suffering their 18th league defeat of the season and are three points adrift of the K's and are 15 points from safety.

Parmenter said: "We had to take decisive action with on-the-field events.  We have a superb fan base at Dover Athletic.  Nearly 700 people came to watch us and they don't want to be served up with this standard of football every week.

"Football is a results business and one win in 13 matches is the reason why we came to this decision.  He has been given time by the club to change our fortunes but, unfortunately for Steve, he's not been successful.

"We'd like to wish him good luck for the future and thank him for his hard work in trying to turn things around - it just wasn't to be, at the end of the day."

The Whites board hope to announce a new manager tomorrow (Monday) - their fourth of the season - and Parmenter has already spoken to the person he believes will take the club forward and get the team performing for its fans.

He said: "We have just got to tie up a couple of loose ends, which won't be a problem, before we can officially name the new manager.

"I believe this person is one of only a very few people who can manage Dover Athletic. It's a difficult job but we think he's the right man - and we are still going to fight until the end of the season to try to stay up.

"You never know what may happen, teams going up might not want to or can't because of their grounds. All kinds of things can happen and we should always have one eye on things like that. However, whatever happens, we are putting foundations in place to take Dover Athletic forward and get the team winning again."

All the current first-team squad have been asked to report for training on Tuesday as normal so the new manager can assess the situation.

And meanwhile midfielder Matt Carruthers has been told he is to be released from the club after breaking his contract over the Christmas period.

Parmenter said: "Matt disappeared for three weeks and made himself unavailable at a time the club needed him most. We have taken this decision as a board but Matt will have every opportunity to appeal against this.

"And the new manager will also have a chance to put his views across on the matter."

www.doverathletic.com