MICK KEMP has resigned as the chairman of Dover Athletic with former vice-chairman Jim Parmenter seeking support to take over.

Mr Kemp, who became chairman two-and-a-half years ago, said in a statement: "It is with deep regret that I have decided to resign."

Finance director Steve Cattermole also resigned last week, but Mr Kemp is staying on as a director, along with John Farringdon and Gary Whittle.

Explaining his decision, Mr Kemp said: "Actions by members of the club over the past two months had put a strain on my position, and on more than one occasion I have been persuaded not to resign.

"More recently, my honesty and integrity have been questioned, without substance or foundation, by the Supporters Trust Board, and subsequent actions by the Supporters Trust have made my position untenable.

"It is disappointing that an attempt to rid the club of over £400,000 worth of debt accumulated by previous administrations has ended this way, but I have always given my time freely, and occasionally at great personal cost, to the cause. I believe I have always acted honestly with all the players, staff and supporters during my time at the club."

Mr Parmenter, meanwhile has gathered support from four other backers, including fellow former director Roger Knight, in his bid to take over the ailing club.

Moreover, he has the support of the Dover Athletic Supporters' Trust and also of Mr Kemp himself who had said earlier on the club's official website: "Jim has not actually been formally in contact with the club yet but we are aware of his intentions to co-ordinate a rescue bid.

"I believe that he should be congratulated for this and be welcomed by the whole community, because it's something this club has been missing for some years. Dover Athletic is a big animal and one that needs investment.

"I personally can't run the club with my personal finances and believe that we need help from the business community. I believe Jim's involvement will encourage more business people to get involved in Dover Athletic and help get the club back on its feet - before taking it forward."

Mr Parmenter said in a statement: "The intention will be to clear as many of the club's existing debts as possible. On top of the £48,000 currently being raised, around £75,000 is required to completely stabilise the situation.

"We will then ensure sufficient funds are available to cover the club's ongoing commitments. In the main, I've been given great support by all parties.

"The only possible stumbling block will be if current major shareholders, for some reason, do not want to release their shares."

Mr Parmenter added: "If there is enough money at the table, I will then be putting a proposal to the major shareholders regarding transferring their shareholding.

"Three things need to happen at the club:

"One, we need to clear as much of the overall debt as we can. Two, the shortfall in income this season has to be sorted out. Three, we need to put things right on the field."

Mr Parmenter resigned from Whites' board in 1999 after his ambitious plans for the club were blocked by fellow board members.

Within weeks he had become vice-chairman at nearby Margate and before too long the fortunes of the clubs were heading in opposite directions.

While Margate, under former Dover boss Chris Kinnear, secured promotion to the Conference with the Southern Premier title in 2001, Whites began their descent into a double relegation, repeated brushes with extinction, a CVA and plummeting gates.

But things began to go sour for Margate when plans to redevelop their Hartsdown Park ground became bogged down in endless planning wrangles with Thanet council.

The troubles eventually led to Mr Parmenter's resignation as chairman of Margate in January this year before still-homeless Gate suffered enforced relegation from the Conference after two years' groundsharing at Crabble.

Mr Knight confirmed his involvement in the consortium and said: "If certain people agree with what is on the table, we will succeed."

*Mr Parmenter spoke to KM-fm sports editor Simon Watts about the latest developments...