The player-manager apparently asked for a definitive length for his tenure but in light of current circumstances at Champion Hill, e.g. the impending redevelopment of the ground and financial restrictions, the Chairman was unable to comply with his request. In the light of this Cleevely felt himself unable to continue in the position and has now left the club, both in his role as manager and as a player. It leaves Dulwich in a sticky position as they are particular thin on the ground with goalkeeping cover, with Reserve Team Manager, veteran Engin Salih, and 16 year old Youth Team prodigy, Michael Holder, the only custodians currently with the club.
In his time at Dulwich Cleevely won round sceptical fans that knew his talent but were anxious of his fiery reputation. After making his debut in August 1998 against Basingstoke, he made 156 first team appearances. That first season it was Les who led the jubilant Dulwich team up the steps at The Valley to collect the London Challenge Cup. When Dave Garland ‘resignation’ was accepted earlier this season after a draw with Slough, Cleevely was a surprise choice for the hotseat and quickly gained revenge over the previous incumbent when Bromley were thrashed 6-3 at Hayes Lane. However this brief honeymoon was to be an eye-opener for the challenge that lay ahead in the league. Experienced old hands arrived, but still the results would not come. A second league victory – over fellow strugglers Carshalton - was achieved, but safety still remained a distant aspiration.
On a personal note it with great sadness I wish Les goodbye for he was a rarity among recent Dulwich managers, someone who treated supporters as equals not as some nuisance that had to endured. I wish him good luck wherever he ends up and I’m sure his and Dulwich’s paths will cross sometime in the not too distant future.
In the meantime responsibility for the team lies in the hands of Gwynne Berry and Tony Rains, although replacing Les between the sticks might be a harder task than replacing him on the bench.
In his time at Dulwich Cleevely won round sceptical fans that knew his talent but were anxious of his fiery reputation. After making his debut in August 1998 against Basingstoke, he made 156 first team appearances. That first season it was Les who led the jubilant Dulwich team up the steps at The Valley to collect the London Challenge Cup. When Dave Garland ‘resignation’ was accepted earlier this season after a draw with Slough, Cleevely was a surprise choice for the hotseat and quickly gained revenge over the previous incumbent when Bromley were thrashed 6-3 at Hayes Lane. However this brief honeymoon was to be an eye-opener for the challenge that lay ahead in the league. Experienced old hands arrived, but still the results would not come. A second league victory – over fellow strugglers Carshalton - was achieved, but safety still remained a distant aspiration.
On a personal note it with great sadness I wish Les goodbye for he was a rarity among recent Dulwich managers, someone who treated supporters as equals not as some nuisance that had to endured. I wish him good luck wherever he ends up and I’m sure his and Dulwich’s paths will cross sometime in the not too distant future.
In the meantime responsibility for the team lies in the hands of Gwynne Berry and Tony Rains, although replacing Les between the sticks might be a harder task than replacing him on the bench.
