by Joe Harbert

Dover Athletic have announced ticket prices are being frozen for fans and club chairman Jim Parmenter says his team can't afford to play without them.

Mr Parmenter believes the new season may have to wait until supporters are allowed back into stadiums. The government have said that may happen in October.

Whites chairman Mr Parmenter, speaking to the club's website, said: "As for when I think the season will start, I cannot see it happening at our level until fans are allowed back into grounds - we just cannot afford to play behind closed doors.”

The Crabble outfit are already facing a potentially difficult campaign on the field due to the effects of coronavirus.

The National League side have lost seven players over the summer, including captain Kevin Lokko and last season's top scorer, Inih Effiong.

Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler also revealed last month that his side looked set to reduce the number of training sessions with the squad from four sessions to three moving forward, news confirmed by Parmenter.

He added: "It’s simply not financially viable to train like we did last season, so you have make changes and we have."

Fans will at least be be feeling pleased that ticket prices are frozen.

The news means the cost of both a season and entry ticket remains at £340 and £18 for adults, with over-60s and under-18s gaining season-long access for £280 and £50 respectively.

Mr Parmenter said: "Everyone is doing it tough in these unprecedented times, and we recognise that many of our supporters and their families are struggling financially during the pandemic and we as a club are no different.

"We have had no income since March, but bills still need to be paid as it’s tough for clubs to survive.

“That said, we decided to maintain the current price structure rather than increase it, but we need the support of our fans and the wider community more than ever before to make it work.

“I would hope therefore that our supporters are happy with this decision.”

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