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WHY HESS IS THE BEST

Justin Allen |

28 Apr 09

CELEBRATIONS were in full flow in the Centre Spot clubhouse after the team were presented with the Ryman League Championship trophy.

But, standing at the end of the bar almost unnoticed was our superb manager Andy Hessenthaler, brooding and looking extremely peeved that we had lost our unbeaten home record to Boreham Wood.

There was almost a "don't go near me" force-field around him, such was his mood.

However, I dared to go up to Andy, congratulate him on everything he has so far achieved at this club and suggest that, for a man who has won back-to-back league titles, and promotions, he looked far from happy.

"Well, we set standards - and that wasn't good enough today," was his response.

That sums the gaffer up for me. He sets an incredible standard to his players and staff - and hates losing. It's just not in his blood. This is the reason, he had a superb playing career, notably with Watford and Gillingham, as well as why he had the Gills, with no disrespect intended, punching way above their weight in the Championship for five years.

There is a saying that "everytime you win, you are nearer a defeat" - and Andy is a player and manager who will always guard against complacency. Hard work, good attitude, strong character are crucial attributes - every bit as important as having skill and ability. And there is no short supply of this among his ranks.

Many congratulations to him and the players on an amazing achievement - and I am sure the Hess Express has got further to go yet.

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The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of Dover Athletic Football Club Ltd, its board or officials.

Staff Profile

Justin Allen
Editor

Profile:

Has been a Whites fan since he was a kid and covered the club as a journalist when he was sports editor of the East Kent Mercury between 1996 and 1999 Justin now lives in Hove and works on the sportsdesks of The Sun and News of the World. He also is a judge on the Kent Journalist of the Year panel. Brings you the news throughout the week and steers the website operation.

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