Dover urgently need another £17,000 to survive

DOVER ATHLETIC director Steve Cattermole insists that the battle to save the club has only just started, writes Justin Allen.

The Supporters Trust now have around £6,000 in their kitty and these funds are ready to be injected into the club in return for more shares.

But that is still £17,000 short of the £23,000 the CVA supervisor could demand within a month if he decides the club must pay half their profits now from the FA Cup run in 2002.

It is therefore crucial that fans support the club's fundraising efforts, including a fireworks night at the Hoverspeed Stadium on November 5, and two proposed Sportsman's Evenings. These three events alone could take the club near the target figure - but only if they get a good response from the town.

Cattermole said: "We obviously can't second guess what the CVA supervisor is going to say. But we are preparing ourselves for the worst-case scenario, which is they will want £23,000 paid within a month. And there's a real possibility that will happen. We are waiting for them to contact us but I am expecting to hear within days what the situation is.

"The Trust has managed to raise £6,000, which is a superb effort, but of course we need to reach £23,000. It's a tall order but something that can be achieved. We just need people to actually support us, get to the games, turn up to our fundraising events. We are all in this together after all.

"It does annoy us when we read some of the messages about us on the fans internet forum. Rather than slate us all the time, why don't more people actually go out there and do something to save the club? We're all trying our hardest here and you have people like Mark Winter, Ashley Forecast, Simon Harris, the Harrisons, and many others, doing all they can for the good of our club. These people are brilliant and we need more of them to come forward.

"Also we keep hearing this rumour about Steve Williams, the musician, heading a consortium. If he actually is going to get involved, he needs to do so NOW. "Later" or "I'm going to wait and see" will be too late. This is a crucial time for the club."

Also the club once again appeals to the town's business community to get in touch. Some businessmen have decided to stay away - because of things that have gone on in the past.

But Cattermole said: "There should be no animosity against Dover Athletic. Our door is always open to anyone. We have a great chance of building this club back again, we really do, but this is the time to act."

Anyone who can help should call the club on 01304 822373 and cheque or postal order donations can be sent to the Trust at:  Dover Athletic Supporters Trust, Registered Society Number 29322R, PO BOX 325, Dover, Kent CT17 0XG.

When contacting the club, please state you read the article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk