Dulwich Hamlet appoint Mark Dacey as new manager as part of ‘rebooting’ process

Dulwich Hamlet have appointed Mark Dacey as their new manager following Bradley Quinton’s departure.

Quinton guided Dulwich to Isthmian League Premier Division safety after replacing Hakan Hayrettin in January.

But Quinton was let go at the end of the season with chairman Ben Clasper claiming the Champion Hill outfit is set to undergo the largest overhaul of its football operations set-up in recent history.

Dacey has had spells in management at Sevenoaks Town, SE Dons and Rayners Lane.

Dulwich’s statement on their website said: “While we have been overwhelmed by the number and quality of people expressing an interest in the role, many of whom have delivered time and time again at other clubs, we wanted to honour our commitment to rebooting our approach, rediscovering what Dulwich Hamlet means and delivering what matters most to the club and the fans.

“Although we have been tracking over 50 candidates since our search began earlier this year our interest in Mark dates to when he arrived at Champion Hill eager to learn under Gavin Rose and Junior Kadi.

“We have kept a close eye on him since leaving to move into management and the feedback from everyone that has worked with him and played for him has been universally positive.

“Following stints in charge at Sevenoaks Town and SE Dons, it was Mark’s performance at Rayners Lane during extremely difficult circumstances since joining in January, winning two thirds of his league games, averaging more than three goals a game along the way and winning the Middlesex FA Cup that catapulted him into top spot on shortlists of clubs higher up the pyramid than us.

“We knew the race to secure his signature would be a competitive one but his belief in the pink and blue and our mutual desire to rebuild the brand of football we want to be known for made the difference for both of us.”

Dacey added: “Dulwich is a hugely attractive club that many respect from afar.

“I hope to bring back a spark and excitement that the club’s been missing of late. I believe it can bring back the heart of the community to love the team again.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD