DEPARTING Huddersfield Sharks chairman Tony Holroyd is predicting a bright future for the ambitious National Conference League club.

The Sharks' founder is to quit the club next week to start a new life with his family in Tenerife.

That's a big blow to the Sharks, the club formed by Holroyd in 1996.

But the hard-working servant of the Syngenta-based club believes he is leaving behind a set-up that is in excellent shape.

"Leaving the club at this stage in its development is a massive wrench," said Holroyd.

"When I first set up the club at the YMCA we just had one Pennine League Division VI side.

"But now we've got a National Conference League side, a Pennine League side and seven junior sides.

"We've also got plans to expand our junior section even more, and I see no reason why that won't be achieved.

"I know that when I get on that plane next week, the club is going to be left in very safe hands."

Holroyd has revealed that rugby manager Lance Gilbert, the former Moldgreen National Conference League player, will be taking over as chairman until at least the end of this season.

That position could become more permanent, but with Gilbert having a number of other major duties with the club he is being given the chance to test the water.

"Lance will do a great job, there's no doubt about that," added Holroyd.

"He's been around almost from the start and is one of the many dedicated workers there are at the club.

"And I know that Lance, as well as the rest of the background team, are determined to continue to take the club forward.

"We all recognise that a key to that is by continuing to back our coaching team of Anthony Farrell and Mark Eastwood.

"In the relatively short time they have been here they have made massive strides, and I would hate to see that go to waste.

"But I think they also recognise how many outstanding juniors are coming up through the ranks, who should guarantee the future remains very bright.

"A major part of my second five-year plan, which got under way two years ago, was to develop the club's junior section even more.

"We've already got sides running at Under 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s, 16s and 18s, which is tremendous progress.

"But in the next few years I would like to think we would be running sides from all ages from eights upwards.

"It's vital to have a successful conveyor belt of players coming through from the junior section up to the first team, and we're starting to do that already.

"The likes of Ritchie Hawkyard, Simon George, Scott Wilkinson and Stuart Dunbar have all come up through the ranks and have held their own in the Conference League.

"I know there are many more just waiting in the wings to follow suit.

"I simply see no reason why the Sharks can't continue to go from strength to strength."

The club are planning a special farewell party for Tony and his wife Sue at Syngenta on Saturday (7.30). All are welcome.