THE DIRECTOR of Malvern Town FC has revealed he is on the search for co-directors to start a new chapter in the club’s history.
Due to increased work load and family commitments, Chris Pinder announced the time was right for him to hand the reins over to another individual or group of people in a bid to take the club to the ‘next level’.
Content to have made good on his promises since his takeover in 2013, the managing director of technology firm HDAnywhere said in a statement he was looking to divide his shareholding to create a board of directors.
Mr Pinder added he was also looking for co-chairmen.
“I am not too proud to admit that I need help with the frontline aspects of football chairmanship,” he said.
“Should the right person or persons come forward, I am happy to work alongside them or indeed step into the background.
“This season will be my last as sole chairman.”
Mr Pinder stressed that despite stepping aside as sole chairman, this was not a goodbye.
“As a director and major shareholder, I not only have responsibility to, but I actually really want to continue working hard for the club,” he added.
“I will do this by focusing my time more on off-field matters like the commercial side of things and advancing the ambitious new stadium project and not necessarily being in attendance for every home and away game.”
When first taking on the role as director and chairman, Mr Pinder said his target was to ‘rescue the debt-stricken club’ from losing its ground, to ‘turn the club’s fortunes around’ and to make the club a more ‘attractive proposition’ for players and sponsors.
Four years on, the Langland Avenue-based club has settled its close to £250,000 debt to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and former brewery supplier.
The stadium had been registered as an ‘asset of community value’ as well as going through significant refurbishment including the clubhouse, changing rooms and playing surface.
“Pride has been restored in Malvern Town FC and the club is demonstrably at the heart of the local community, hosting many charity groups and event for all sorts of people, young and old,” said Mr Pinder.
“We’ve won trophies, beaten league champions, hosted a 2,000-strong crowd for Hereford FC’s inaugural fixture and been a top contender in our division every season.
“Player-wise we have had some great success stories of Malvern talent progressing up the levels to higher clubs.
“We now enjoy great coverage in the news and are seeing many more supporters on match days.
“The club is primed to go up to the next level.”
Anybody interested in joining the board at a director level should email Mr Pinder directly at [email protected].
