Dover chairman Jim Parmenter claims proposed increased parachute payments for clubs relegated from the Football League is protectionism.

The money is reported to rise by nearly £700,000, an increase of half a million on last season.

Vanarama National League clubs receive only around £40,000 from funding and Mr Parmenter and his fellow chairmen are unhappy ahead of an EGM planned for next month.

He said: “Speaking as Dover chairman, and not as a member of the VNL board, my view is that it is protectionism.

“I think the League are trying to make it difficult for the smaller clubs to get promoted by changing the ground requirements, 30 metre square changing rooms and 500 lux floodlights etc and this is just another way to ensure those who drop out have a much better chance of getting back in instead of others who have never been there.

“There are other factors as well but it could seriously affect the National League and it’s credibility as a competition.

“It has been discussed at Board level. I can’t talk about the discussions but the League is seeking urgent talks with the Football League to assess the impact."

Looking back on 2015, Mr Parmenter said: “We are sitting fifth in the table with a bit of a cushion between the clubs below us.

“That is a testament to Chris, his management team and the players and we are up there punching with the big clubs.

“The one thing I couldn’t do is to pick out my best moment of the year. There have been a few lows but a lot of highs and good times.

“It doesn’t happen by magic on or off the field but I think your next win is the best moment.”

As for promotion to the Football League in the new year, Mr Parmenter added: “We try to win every game and if we do it enough, we’ll get there.

“We are prepared for it, Crabble has an A grading and we have other things going on which mean we can move forward off the field and maybe bring in one or two more players to strengthen the squad.”