Find local news in Kent

Home   Dover   Sport   Article

Dover Athletic confirm Jake Leberl will remain as their boss for 2024/25 season - despite club’s National League South relegation

13:51, 02 April 2024

updated: 14:10, 02 April 2024

Jake Leberl is set to continue as manager of relegated National League South side Dover next season.

Whites will start the 2024/25 campaign in Isthmian Premier after an Easter Friday 1-0 derby defeat at Welling consigned them to the drop for the second time in three seasons. But Dover have revealed boss Leberl is staying put.

Dover manager Jake Leberl - will still be in charge of the Crabble club next season, despite relegation. Picture: Randolph File
Dover manager Jake Leberl - will still be in charge of the Crabble club next season, despite relegation. Picture: Randolph File

In a club statement on Tuesday on Leberl’s 47th birthday, chairman Jim Parmenter said: “We are delighted that Jake will be with us next season.

“He’s passionate about the club and wants us to improve - on and off the pitch.”

Leberl returned to Whites in November, initially as then-manager Mitch Brundle’s No.2, before he took over from Brundle alongside Academy boss Mike Sandmann the following month.

He saw Dover to a 1-0 home victory over promotion-chasing Chelmsford on Easter Monday as teenage midfielder Henry Young netted the only goal of the game in the first half.

But the basement boys, who are set to visit Hemel Hempstead this Saturday in the first of three successive away fixtures, are still likely to finish bottom this season.

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Dover chairman Jim Parmenter. Picture: Barry Goodwin

They are some 10 points behind second-bottom Havant & Waterlooville, with only 12 points left to play for.

Dover’s club statement continued: “News on players will be published as it is available.

“Plans are well under way for next season and, as well as supporting Jake to build a strong team, discussions are under way around our community activity which will include a review of our youth structure and the introduction of women’s and girls’ teams.

“Equally, we are discussing ways in which we can improve supporter experience at The Megger Community Stadium, including how we can speed up service and reduce queuing.

“The club will issue updates for supporters on a regular basis. We look forward to an exciting season with many local derbies.”

Whites only stayed up last season on the final day - on goal difference.

They were last in Isthmian Premier in 2008/09 when they won the division with an amazing tally of 104 points from 42 games.

It was a second championship in successive seasons after claiming the Isthmian South title in 2007/08.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More