DOVER Athletic chairman Mick Kemp has hit back at critics and outlined his vision for the club.

Speaking just after the launch of the appeal by the Supporters Trust to make up a shortfall in club funds, Mr Kemp said there was no danger of the club folding.

He said: “Come August 14 we will be on that pitch and we are looking to win the title at the first attempt.

“I’m here for the duration, but if all those whingers out there think they can do better, they can come and have a try.

“I was available at the last fans’ forum to answer questions but some people prefer to have a go through the website. I put in up to three days a week running this club for no pay.

“If any supporter wants to ask me a question, they are very welcome to come up to Crabble and see me personally. I am normally there on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus Monday and Wednesday mornings.”

Fans will have to wait a while longer to learn the identity of the manager for the Ryman Premier campaign.

Mr Kemp would not rule out retaining Richard Langley. He said: “There is not going to a be a manager as such next season.

“There is going to be a part-time, paid chief executive, who will manage the day to day affairs of the club, and a first team coach who will pick the team. I hope for an announcement around June 5-6.”

Mr Kemp is also talking to players and is hoping to reveal some new signings around the same time.

Striker Matt Carruthers said last week he was trying to forget about football for a while before making a decision on his future but Mr Kemp said: “We spoke on Saturday and he has no intention of moving.”

Mr Kemp said defender and player of the year Tony Browne was being retained, but centre-back Andy Arnott has left, citing work reasons. The club cancelled his contract, offering no pay-off.

Mr Kemp was hoping, however, that experienced goalkeeper Paul Hyde would sign a new contract.

The club are talking to Mark Patterson, who is contracted for another year but says he wants to leave.

Off the field, the club has completed drainage work on the pitch at a cost of £8,000, which they have had to fund themselves.

Mr Kemp explained: “The roots of the grass are now much deeper. It’s been reseeded. We will have a lot of football here this season, with Dover Ladies moving here.”

However, planned work to upgrade the floodlights has had to be delayed. Mr Kemp said it would not be done this summer. Whites have until April 1, 2005, to complete the work and are looking for help from the Football Foundation and various other grant-making bodies.