Arlesey Town appoint new interim Chairman
Arlesey Town have announced that John Morrell has resigned as chairman and replaced by former Premier League striker, Dave Kitson, on an initial interim basis.
A club statement said:
“It is with regret that Arlesey Town Football Club announce the resignation of its chairman John Morrell with immediate effect.
John stands down after 5 years at the club. He took over in May 2016 and helped steer the club through a period of financial difficulties and restraint. More recently John has helped oversee a transition period at the club leading to stability on and off the pitch.
Everyone at the club wishes to thank John for his time, effort and help throughout his tenure at the club and we wish him and his wife Christine all the very best for the future.
In light of Johns resignation, the committee looked to promptly seek out a potential replacement, it was decided there was a clear candidate in which they would like to approach and someone they felt the members would be glad to see back at the club, therefore we are pleased to announce the appointment of former Arlesey Town and Premier League Striker Dave Kitson as Chairman of the club on an initial interim basis.
Dave first appeared for the club in 2000-2001 in our Ryman League Division Three Championship winning season. After signing for Cambridge United the following year, making over 100 appearances and scoring 40 goals, he was then signed by Reading who were, at the time playing in Division One of the Football League. From 2003-2008, Dave played over 130 games and scored 54 goals for Reading including their rise to the Premier League during their record breaking 106 season.
Dave went on to play for Stoke, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Oxford United before taking on a post playing career as a pundit for numerous broadcasters alongside appearing regularly on Talksport radio.
Dave says of his appointment, ‘I would like to thank the committee for offering me the opportunity to take on the role as Interim Chairman, I would also like to thank John Morrell for the sterling work he has done as Chairman to lead the club to this point, Arlesey has always had a place in my heart and I made numerous lifelong friends during my time here, This is an exciting period for everyone involved and I look forward to contributing to the start of the next chapter in the clubs history’.
The Club is excited to have Dave on board as we now start looking to further secure the clubs future.”