Jim Parmenter says he will remain firm friends with Andy Hessenthaler

Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter has said his side can get back to the Conference within two years, despite manager Andy Hessenthaler's departure.

Hessenthaler achieved back-to-back promotions in his three years at Dover and reached the Blue Square South play-offs this season.

"It's the end of an era but not the end of the world. We will continue our plan," Parmenter told BBC Radio Kent.

"We've got two years left to get this club into the conference."

He added: "I've already had calls and CVs from good quality candidates so I'm looking to appoint somebody very quickly."

Parmenter, who insisted there were no hard feelings between himself and Hessenthaler, thinks the club still has the right ingredients to be successful next season.

The playing budget will be significant larger so it will be a very attractive job Jim Parmenter

"Unfortunately, we've only got five players on contract at the moment but we've got several others with offers on the table," admitted Parmenter.

"But the rest of the infrastructure is here - the club's got an 'A' grading for the ground. It's got a good fan base and we're financially secure.

"The playing budget will be significantly larger so it will be a very attractive job."

Dover Athletic first won promotion to Football Conference in the 1989-90 season but their ground did not meet the required standard.

Three seasons later they gained promotion to the Conference again, where they spent nine seasons before being relegated in 2002.

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