'They have very little credibility' - Dover Athletic chairman resigns from National League board

Parmenter has written a letter to National League chairman, Brian Barwick, stating that he can no longer support the actions of the board and that he cannot ‘be seen to be party to actions which I absolutely disagree with’.

He said that he has resigned so that he can speak out publicly.

His resignation comes as all 66 National League clubs are voting whether to cancel or continue with their seasons after it emerged funding for the rest of the campaign will be provided in loans rather than grants, which Parmenter claims is breaking the rules.

Clubs have until the end of February to cast their vote, although a decision is expected much sooner.

“The lack of grant funding should have been properly addressed in late December or at least very early January,” Parmenter said. “As it stands it is likely to be two months with no funds for clubs before any sort of resolution is forthcoming.

“I am in particular disagreement that the executive appear to be encouraging clubs to take large loans to complete the season, as I have said twice at board meetings I believe that the competition rules are being broken by allowing the proposed loans, let alone encouraging them.”

Chesterfield want to continue the season, as do the likes of Notts County, Sutton United and Hartlepool United.

Parmenter’s Dover are currently second bottom of the National League and are eight points from safety, although they have only played 15 games - the fewest in the division.

“The board has very little credibility as an organisation within our clubs,” Parmenter added.

“Even if the vote is to continue I do not believe that the league will be able to continue in any credible form or with integrity for another five months.

“There are some very good people on the board and I do not seek to criticise individuals, but as a body I do not believe we have shown strong, relevant leadership. Our governance has descended into chaos and some decisions made by the board seem to change when interpreted by the executive.”