Dulwich Hamlet call on fans of all clubs to unite to save its future

Dulwich Hamlet are holding a “Fans United” game at the next home game vs Dorking Wanderers on Good Friday.

The Fans United day follows on the back of a successful rally last Saturday, 17 March, when around 1200 fans marched from East Dulwich to the locked gates of Champion Hill.

The Save Dulwich Hamlet group and club are inviting fans of all other clubs to visit their temporary home at Tooting & Mitcham in solidarity with their plight, and to highlight the broader issue of unscrupulous owners and the risk they present to many football clubs across the country.

Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes, said in Parliament last week, “In London the list of clubs that are under pressure is depressingly long.  In recent years Enfield Town, Edgware Town, Hendon and Thurrock football clubs have all lost their historical homes.  Away from London, the story continues. Northampton Town, Kettering Town, Torquay United, Skelmersdale United, Coventry City and Merthyr Town—to name just a few—are all facing battles to survive as the property developers circle.”

Season ticket holders and Supporters’ Club / Trust members from other clubs will be offered entry at the usual concession price of £5. Fans are encouraged to wear their own club’s colours and banners.  A photo of Fans United behind the goal will take place at the end of the first half to demonstrate solidarity between football fans against outside forces that seek to threaten and undermine any football club across the country.

A spokesperson for the group, said: “We have a battle on our hands to save OUR club, and we hope that fans will unite to support the cause.  We recognise that this issue is far from unique, and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other clubs that are facing threats to their existence.”

Club Director Tom Cullen, said “The Save DHFC campaign have been brilliant at mobilising the community and helping get our story out there. We’re very pleased to be able to offer reduced prices for fans of other clubs as a show of solidarity, and to welcome new people along to our special club.”

Developers Meadow Residential, which owns the club’s Champion Hill ground, has locked the club out of its home of 116 years. Meadow also registered the name “Dulwich Hamlet” as a trademark – though its spokesman said within hours this would be handed over to the club for free.

Meadow, which is backed by US-based investment company Meadow Partners, has also rejected a £10million offer to buy the ground from Legacy Foundation, a firm set up by former England captain Rio Ferdinand, which wants to redevelop the site to build desperately-needed social housing.

The developer had applied for planning permission for 151 flats on the site but took Southwark Council to court because it claimed town hall chiefs did not discuss it quickly enough.

On 13 March, Southwark Council gave permission for its Director of Regeneration to acquire Champion Hill (the home of Dulwich Hamlet FC) from Meadow at a fair market rate.  Discussions between the council and Meadow will now ensue, with a compulsory purchase order for the land being one possible outcome.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also continues to voice his support for the club.

Fans and the community can find out more at www.savedulwichhamlet.org.uk, on Twitter at @saveDHFC, and on Facebook as “Save Dulwich Hamlet”.