Albion welcome new directors.
Witton Albion Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of three new Directors following the retirement of Directors Paul Worthington and Alan Jackson at the recent AGM held at the U Lock IT Stadium earlier in the month. The trio were introduced to the volunteers at the annual end of season BBQ on Sunday. Graham Wood, who was confirmed at the same meeting as Chairman for another year, said:
“I would like to thank both Paul and Alan for their efforts and assistance as Directors of the Club. Paul has handled the financial side of the club for several years, and Alan has represented the club for many years through our charitable arm Witton Albion in the Community and has been responsible for looking after our activities within local schools and the Junior Football Club.
“I am absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of three new Directors who will shortly be joining myself, Julian Jackson and John Wilson on the Board. They are Andy Ralph and Paul Sanderson who are active with the Juniors Club, and local businessman, Phil Ward.
Andy Ralph commented “My background is in banking and currently a large educational setting. I have also performed several key roles within Witton Albion Juniors for the last 7 years. I’m really looking forward to contributing and helping this fantastic club to move forward and proudly cement itself as the premier club in the town.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Directors, the club’s supporters and the wonderful group of volunteers who make the club what it is. Ultimately the events on the pitch remain the focus, but utilising the ground and its facilities to bring financial sustainability to the club remains a key focus of ours.”
Phil Ward added “I am proud to be joining the board at Witton Albion Football Club. I’m here to help push things forward and support the people working hard on and off the pitch and am really looking forward to the journey ahead.”
Paul Sanderson also commented “In my work life I work in Facilities Management for a housing association in Manchester, I have worked in Property, Land and Facilities for 20 years. More recently I have been involved with Witton Albion Juniors, and this led me to think about where I can best add value to Witton Albion Football Club.
“The Club has such a welcoming family feel that is addictive and it’s important we help build a club that enables the footballing side to be the best it can be. Making a sustainable club model with the community spirit at its heart is what I’m hoping we can achieve working with the new board members, it’s great to see we are all on the same page to move the club forward.”
Graham Wood concluded “These appointments will help the Board push on with our plans for developing a sustainable business model that will allow the club to offer our fans the opportunity to enjoy quality football played by, wherever possible, local players. Our footballing focus will remain on continuing our player pathway from two- and three-year-olds via the Junior and Academy teams through to the Men’s and Women’s First Teams.
“For years we have had the best volunteers and stadium in the area and undoubtedly one of the best in the Northern Premier League. We now hope to be able to deliver the quality football that the fans deserve in a sustainable way.”