DOVER Athletic FC chairman Mick Kemp has revealed he came close to quitting after receiving hate mail, allegedly from supporters of the club.

The letter expressed discontent at the departure of former manager Clive Walker who is now in charge at Chatham Town. It also contained personal threats against Mr Kemp and his fellow director Steve Cattermole.

Mr Kemp first revealed that he had considered resigning over the letter at Saturday’s Fans’ Forum in the Centre Spot. He was happy to expand on that statement this week, saying: “I was very down for a week and nearly walked out. I suppose the reason I didn’t is that I didn’t want to leave the club in limbo.

“There is no-one who I know of who wants to come in at the moment, but if anyone wants to, and has the time and resources available, we are open to offers. Some people think the CVA would stop that but it would not.

“I don’t regret becoming chairman. I didn’t come into it expecting to be everybody’s friend, but personal threats go beyond the bounds.

“I need to put in 60-65 hours a week on my business, but I am now putting in a total of 25 hours a week working for the football club."

He stressed: "We are just fans of the club and are running it to the best of our ability.”