During the close season, there have been dramatic changes to the squad at Dulwich Hamlet with only a handful of those featuring last season remaining. After the pre-season games, the team looks very strong and should be looking to challenge for a top table, in not play-off, finish at the end of the 2019-2020. Pre-season featured home matches against a Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace XI as well as a mini tour of the North West with games against Chester and Marine (Liverpool).
There have also been a number of significant changes off the pitch during the summer period, which included adding to the already existing terracing on three sides of the ground. Whilst plans have recently been submitted for the clubs proposed new stadium, it has been recognised the importance that these works are needed to be done to ensure everyone gets a great match day experience at the current stadium at Champion Hill.
The most exciting pieces of news this summer was the announcement that from this season the club will also be fielding a Women’s team with their home fixtures taking place on Sunday afternoons.
Previously playing under the name of AFC Phoenix, Dulwich Hamlet Women’s FC will play in the London and South East Premier Division after narrowly missing out on promotion last season.
AFC Phoenix were Established in 2010 with all the committee members being either ex players, coaches or current players and boasts a squad comprised of 10 nationalities.
The club have been self sustained until now, however after successful meetings with DHFC, a merger was agreed, paving the way for the first fully fledged DHFCW squad.
Captain Brittany Saylor said: “We are thrilled to become a part of the Dulwich family. The club ethos and community support along with the talent and dedication of our girls is a definite recipe for success. We’re looking forward to continuing our accomplishments under the Dulwich name”
The Team play their final two home pre-season friendly fixtures at Champion Hill. The visitors on the 4 August will be Crystal Palace, with the final game taking place against Crawley on 11 August. Full season fixtures can be found on the official club website.
In early July the Trust held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the club bar. The Chair’s report highlighted that 12 months ago, Football Club’s position was desperate and having to play our ‘home’ fixtures at Tooting was causing immense financial pressure and uncertainty with regards of the future of Dulwich Hamlet.
The report continued to address the members present by adding that since then, while uncertainty continues in some respects, the situation has improved considerably. For those not aware, the Supporters’ Trust has contributed to this improvement, in part by investments in the Club in return for shares. £18,000 was in 2018, and more recently, the club received a further £40,000 investment.
It was also highlighted, at the meeting, that one of the Trust’s Objectives for the past year was to increase shareholding and representation in the football club, with a long-term vision of ownership of the Club. In the past 12 months the Board have being working very hard to increase the Supporters’ Trust’s shareholding, of the club, to approximately 20%. In addition, the Trust have now secured two seats on the Football Club Board.