FORMER England striker Peter Crouch has insisted his return to Dulwich Hamlet as a director is not a gimmick – and has vowed to do everything in his power to transform their fortunes.
Hamlet have had a special place in Crouch's heart ever since he enjoyed a spell on loan at Champion Hill from Tottenham as a teenager just over two decades ago.
It was the start of a glittering two-decade long career that saw him play for the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Stoke. He also earned 42 England caps.
Having transitioned successfully into media and broadcasting work since hanging up his boots two years ago, the 40-year-old has plenty on his plate. But the chance to return to Dulwich Hamlet was one he couldn't resist.
Like all Non-League clubs, the National League South outfit have been hit hard by the effects of the Covid pandemic over the last year-and-a-half. Their big fanbase hasn't been able to watch matches and their finances have taken a hit.
The popular Crouch is hoping he can make a difference and bring the club's plight to a wider audience. He was named a director on Tuesday.
“The club's in a lot of trouble and if I can help in any way, I want the people of Dulwich to know I'm taking this seriously,” he told ITV News London.
“They are struggling to make ends meet and that's the same for most Non-League clubs now. It would be great if we can highlight that these clubs need help.”
Hamlet believe bringing someone with Crouch's football experience and profile to the club can only be a positive.
Opportunity
“The lack of people on our team with experience in football has been a gap we have been trying to address since our return to Champion Hill,” said the Hamlet board in a statement on Friday.
“When the opportunity to work with Peter Crouch arose… it was exactly what we had been looking for – someone with a Dulwich Hamlet background and with experience of all levels of the game.
“He is a perfect match for the role we had open and that role is critical to creating a club management structure where equal weighting can finally be given to matters both on and off the pitch.”
A Discovery documentary on Crouch's work with Hamlet is also in the pipeline and the club believe it is an opportunity they should embrace.
“We are confident having met Peter that his commitment to his day-to-day work with us will deliver what we have long been looking for, camera or no camera,” added the club.
“Critical to our decision on the series was a belief that being able to show a wider audience that a community and fan-led and managed club can be a successful and sustainable model is a huge opportunity for the Non-League football family.”
