POPULAR volunteer Andy Willis has been announced as the new chairman of Guisborough Town.

He was the unanimous choice at the club’s AGM last week, with current Chairman Don Cowan happily taking a step down to become vice chair in support of Andy.

Giving way to Don to make way for his new support role to Andy was Don Robinson, who has been made club president in recognition of his unstinting voluntary work for the Priorymen over many years.

Outgoing chairman Mr Cowan said: “I am absolutely delighted about Andy’s appointment as new chairman and I am very happy indeed to take on a new role as deputy chairman.

“I have been club chairman for the last eight years and been involved with the club for almost 35 years, and I remain absolutely committed to work with and support Andy and his marvellous team as the club continues to move forward."

Mr Robinson takes over as the new club president, from former local MP Tom Blenkinsop, who has held the role for the past ten years.

Mr Cowan said: “Don never seeks any reward for all the tremendous work that he does for the club.”

Mr Robinson added: “Guisborough Town Football Club, its ambitions and all the people involved in the club are very dear to me.

“I am delighted and proud to be made president of the club."

After his appointment as chairman, Andy, 43, said: “I am very proud to have been invited to be the club’s new chairman and I’m looking forward very much to taking on the role and the challenges that come with it. I would like to thank my predecessor Don Cowan for the great job he has done over the last several years.

“Don has achieved much to develop much closer links between the club and the local community and one of my main aims will be to build on this so that the club can play an even bigger role in the community.

“I would also like to focus on improving the infrastructure of the club. We are very fortunate at this club to have a truly great ‘team’ working behind the scenes and I would like to build on this further."

The AGM also confirmed the re-appointment of Keith Smeltzer as club secretary. Keith’s involvement with Guisborough Town goes back to 1983 and he became secretary from 1985.