GRAHAM ROYS is stepping down as chairman of AFC Emley at the end of the season.
Work commitments mean that Roys – who was instrumental in the formation of the new Welfare Ground club alongside Adrian Wright five years ago – cannot continue to head the committee.
Secretary John Whitehead and stalwart helper Richard Hazelden have also indicated they cannot commit as much time as in the past, so the Northern Counties East League Division I outfit are issuing an appeal for more people to get involved.
Publicity officer and committeeman Rob Dixon explained: “Sustaining a club at our level takes an amazing amount of hard work, money and, when money is not easy to come by, more and more hard work.Š
“Being on the committee for the last two years has been a real eye-opener for me seeing the efforts put in by my colleagues to ensure we get to enjoy 90 minutes of football on a Saturday afternoon.
“Without wanting to scare everybody off by that last statement, we are appealing for more people to get involved in the club at all levels.Š
“Whether it be at committee level, helping out around the ground on maintenance, in the tea bar, sponsorship or even just as a ball boy – we need people’s help.”
Big strides have been taken off the field, while new manager Darren Hepworth is making progress with the squad, who have moved nicely into mid-table on the strength of a six-match unbeaten run.Š
“We have a facility which was in danger of becoming derelict before the club was formed, but now it’s once again a ground that other clubs envy and relish coming to play at,” added Dixon.
“We have a great manager who is brimming with enthusiasm and desire to take us forward and a squad of players who appear willing to run through walls for the club.
“It’s really rewarding to be involved and we would be only too grateful to hear from anyone who feels they can help out.”
On Roys (inset), Dixon added: “It’s doubtful the club would be here if it wasn’t for Graham and the work he did along with Adrian Wright.
“Along with his wife Pamela and daughter Salina, the Roys family put in countless hours of work at the club to ensure things run smoothly and that input will be missed, just like that of John Whitehead and Richard Hazelden, so we have some large holes to fill next season.”
