A CONSORTIUM led by local businessman Jim Parmenter has completed its takeover of Dover Athletic.

The club announced that contracts had been signed just before 2pm on Thursday.

Earlier, Mr Parmenter, a former vice-chairman of the Ryman League Premier Division club, said in a statement on the club's official website: "I've now finally reached a satisfactory agreement with the club's major shareholders, John and Alan Husk. We now have to move quickly to satisfy the major creditors and stabilise the situation.

"There is a lot of work to do on and off the pitch, but I'm grateful to have such able consortium members who are keen to assist."

Mr Parmenter's consortium, which also includes another local businessman, Roger Knight, still believe the club can avoid relegation - and manager Steve Browne is being allowed to sign a striker before the league match at Northwood on Saturday.

He said: "We saw a lot of encouraging signs during the game against AFC Wimbledon on Monday and are allowing Steve Browne to sign us a striker. But he is working under a budget and we are determined that the club has a squad of 17-odd players."

Simon Harris, chairman of the club's Supporters Trust, said: "This is excellent news. I am relieved that we now have a club going forward. With the continued support of the fans, we can progress and now we hope the improved performances on the pitch can be turned into victories."

Mr Parmenter has been speaking to KM-fm Sports Editor Simon Watts....