Catching up with the Chairman

Liam Hickey, Chair of the Football Committee, had another column in the programme last week. If you don't buy one this is what you are missing..

Good afternoon everybody and welcome back to Champion Hill for the start of the “real” football. Last season ultimately ended in disappointment for players and supporters but with the undoubted improvement in the team performances in the second half of the season, it is great to see so many of them back for another tilt at that elusive place in the National League.

We have certainly been given a tough start to the season with the visit of Staines Town. They finished last season in good form and I am sure that the astute management of “Drax” will have ensured they are stronger still this season.

However, I believe that Gavin has also recruited well and strengthened our side for this season, particularly defensively. The signings of Anthony Acheampong and Rickie Hayles gives the team more leadership.

Further forward, a fully fit Dumebi Dumaka has shown that he will be a real goal threat this season with 8 in pre-season and the return of so many top quality players means that we should all be confident of another good season.

As much as I take pride in the performances on the pitch, they are solely Gavin’s domain and not something that has any boardroom input. On that level, I continue to be proud of what we achieve off the pitch, in particular, the work of our community team. No club could do more to make itself welcoming for everybody in our society. Our free tickets initiative is back and unchanged because why change a winning formula?
If you are a school, community group, charity or just want to introduce your work colleagues to a great day out at The Hamlet then all you have to do is email George Parnavelas (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and the vouchers for any league game will wend their way to you.

In terms of our community work, I was very proud, and also surprised, that the club received the prestigious Barry East Trophy at the end of last season. This is awarded by the Isthmian League to the club or person that has made the most positive contribution to the league. The surprise was only because it was the second time in three seasons that the club has been recognised in such a way. That is down to all the work that our community teams, both club and Trust, do. However, we don’t do it to win awards, rather just to make sure we do what is right.

However, we do not want to rest on our laurels so if you have anybody else that you think we should connect with then let Mishi or George know.

On the commercial front, then we continue to improve with each season. We have a new record sponsorship deal with Picfair and I really hope we can develop a long-term relationship with them because they are a good fit for the club. I am also delighted that UNISON continue to increase their involvement with the club.

Equally, we have some great new advertisers. I am sure nobody can have missed the eye-catching designs on the dugouts for which I thank MeatLiquor and Franco Manca. We will also be working with The Real Greek whose new restaurant will open in Dulwich Village next month.

As you will also note, we have managed to find a supplier for our kit that can supply it before the season starts. We have developed a good relationship with our suppliers, Jale Sports & Kappa, and as a result have agreed a 3-year deal for them to supply our kit and other player apparel that is potentially worth a significant five figure sum to the club. The more that we order then the greater the rewards.

I am also delighted that we have reached agreement with the Supporters’ Trust to increase their levels of Kappa branded items in the club Mega Container this season and all those sales will help the club to earn even more money from our supplier.

However, not everything is yet signed and sealed with several businesses as these things often take time and we are confident that there are a few more deals that will be pushed over the line within the next few weeks.

If you have any businesses that you think would like to advertise or sponsor The Hamlet then just have a chat with me, Andy Greig or Tom Cullen either in the Boardroom or around the ground. We are happy to explore any lead and will pay you for any leads that turn into business for the club. We also have leaflets detailing our commercial offer which are available in the Boardroom, emailing commercial@|dulwichhamletfc.co.uk or ringing 07967 212353.

Finally, thank you for your support and, like you, I hope we can say we are no longer the longest serving members of the Isthmian League at the season end.

Liam Hickey
Chair of the Football Committee