Our Chairman was in the programme again

Here is Liam Hickey's column from yesterday's match, when we hosted Billericay Town

Our visitors have certainly caused a stir in the game over the last few months with their high profile signings and created a lot of publicity around the non-League game. Whilst this has been going on, we at Champion Hill also continue to attract the attention of many for the atmosphere, welcoming nature of the club and the positive community engagement, with overseas journalists continuing to be attracted to us as a polar opposite of the high levels of the professional game.

It was also very nice to read this week that fans of other clubs had voted a trip to Dulwich as their favourite away day in the Bostik League Premier Division. What was even more pleasing was the comments about our welcoming attitude to everybody. Whilst we all think that we are doing this, the proof is in what others feel and that tells us that we continue to “walk the walk” rather than just “talk the talk”.

We have made a stuttering start in terms of performance but, despite this, we have also created a great number of chances over the two games. However, it was very disappointing to lose such an important player as Nathan Green within the first 10 minutes of the opening game.

The performance at Harlow once again demonstrated that the character of the team cannot be questioned. Whilst the performance wasn’t of the highest quality, the will and determination to get a result meant that we eventually sneaked home. That would not have been the case for teams in past seasons. Muhammadu Faal certainly grabbed his opportunity to win us the game when coming off the bench.

On the commercial front, I am delighted that we have continued to attract some great local businesses that see the benefit of working with The Hamlet to increase their profile and attract our growing band of fans. Welcome then to The Cherry Tree & The Flying Pig, two local businesses that are seeking your custom. I am also delighted that Southey Brewery have come on board to sponsor our Goal of the Month and their ground advert should be up today.

As I have mentioned previously, we now have a 3 year deal in place with Kappa and Jale Sports to provide all our player apparel and team wear. They have also started to develop a relationship with our Supporters’ Trust that means you should be able to order all the various items that the team wear from the club shop in the next few weeks.

We are also getting closer to our trip to Hamburg next summer and so look out for more fundraising initiatives. Please support these as much as possible as all funds will be used to pay for the playing staff and management to make the trip. Obviously, we are also looking for as many fans as possible to make the trip and so expect more travel details from Mishi in the next few months.

Our new mascot initiative is certainly taking off and we are delighted once again to be able to welcome Tobias Brenan, David Canadas & Lucas Ivimey plus their family and friends. In case you didn’t know, all you have to do is purchase a replica shirt for a child and they will be entered into a draw to become our mascot for the day. It is also very gratifying to receive such great comments from parents whose children have already been a mascot praising the club, staff and players for their hospitality and saying just how much fun their children had.

In terms of other sponsorship opportunities then we are always looking for match and ball sponsors. Today I would like to thank Two Tides Cottage "Your Home by the Sea" and Graeme Boxall for their support. Both sponsors come from our fan base and I hope they enjoy their day. At just £99 and £50 we believe it’s still, the best value package in the league.

If you or your business would like to sponsor any matches this season then just email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I know that our guests from The Dulwich Hamlet Supporter’s Trust had a completely new perspective on the game just watching from the Directors Box.

Finally, another call for our fans to help raise revenue for the club, and, at the same time, help yourselves. 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 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.

I am sure that many of you wonder about what goes on behind the scenes and if you have any questions then we will do our best to answer them openly and honestly. We are all volunteers who juggle the club’s commitments around the rest of our lives. The door is always open to supporters to come and discuss any concerns, or even the occasional small bit of praise.

I am aiming to put some more details about our committee members on the new website once it is launched in the next few weeks so you can find out a bit more about us all.
However, I would like to give some special praise to our new Club Secretary Ravit Anand. Rav came forward to take on this role with no direct experience following Martin Eede’s decision to step down and has impressed us all with his efficiency and calm manner. He has had a baptism of fire by starting in the busy pre-season period where the paperwork is at its highest and has handled everything that has been thrown at him. He has been a real asset and a great new addition to the club.

Finally, thank you for your support and keeping backing the club in any way you can. Even if it’s a few pence in the 12th Man bucket or a 50/50 ticket, it is all put to good use and is greatly appreciated.

Liam Hickey
Chair of the Football Committee