HESS READY TO TACKLE FANS

Manager Andy Hessenthaler was a tough competitor in his playing days.

Those fans game enough to play against him and his Invitational XI in the fundraising match at Crabble on Sunday will discover the Gaffer hasn’t lost his competitive spirit.

Hessenthaler’s squad of former Dover stars will take on two teams of supporters managed by Warren ‘Pep’ Dyer.

One of Dyer’s teams will play in the first half before the other plays in the second.

Hessenthaler, who will be the player/manager of his side,  said he was certainly up for the challenge.

“Friendly is it? I don’t know the meaning of that,” he laughed.

“Seriously though, we’re all really looking forward to the day – it should be a great one with some of the greatest names to have played for the club returning to what was familiar territory during their playing days.

“It’s fantastic that all these lads are coming back to support the club when we need it.

“What is important is that it continues to help engage us as a football club back into the community and the community back into the football club.

“To build those close relationships is really important. The importance of a football club on its community is massive, it’s huge and something I believe in.

“I look forward to seeing as many fans, both old and new, as possible on Sunday.”

You can see the message Hessenthaler sent to his fans counterpart Warren Dyer and his players Hess message

The match kicks off at 1pm and fans are very welcome to attend with admission by way of a donation.

The Centre Spot will also be open from 11am and a playing shirt signed by the Hess XI will be raffled on the day.

Hessenthaler’s squad includes:

Jon Wallis, Lee Browning, Tom Wynter, Adam Birchall, Frannie Collin, Matt Carruthers, Nathan Elder, James Strouts, Craig Stone, Lee Shearer, Sammy Moore, Connor Essam, Nicky Southall, and James Rogers.

Dyer’s squads are:

First half: Dan Fletcher (GK), Andy Rolfe, Jack Arrowsmith, Bradley Bough, Nathan Charlton, Michael Pott, Jamie Parsons, John Matthews, Frazer Duncan, Jason Scoble, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.

Second half: Andrew Belson (GK), John McNicoll, Tom Mears, Ian Sullivan, Brad Shrewsbury, Charlie Brown, Nick Elms, Jamie Parsons, Brendan Ulyatt, Jay Parks, Nich Aspendos, Nick Aspendos, Muj Aspendos.