Ashdown ends seven year reign

Since taking over at Fetcham Grove in 2009, Ashdown has overseen two promotions, a relegation and the club's successful battle to overcome the horrendous flooding of 2013 at their Surrey home. Under manager Mike Sandmann the Tanners finished the 2015-15 top flight campaign in 11th spot with a record of 18 wins, eight draws and 20 defeats

Pictured handing Richard Brady one of the Ryman League's managerial accolades last season, Ashdown announced his decision in a statement on the club's website backing their former manager to succeed him as chairman this summer.

He said: “After just over seven years in the post, and after much consideration I have decided I will not be making myself available to be re-elected as chairman of Leatherhead Football Club at the AGM on July 28th.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to have served the club during this period. It has been challenging particularly after the floods of December 2013, but generally enjoyable – there being the inevitable highs and lows associated with a non-League football club, but far more highs than lows!

"We have managed a good degree of stability on the playing front appointing just three managers during that period, and having established ourselves in the top half of the Premier Division over the last two seasons, the club has made good progress.

“Whilst inevitably the club`s success tends to be measured by the performance of the first-team, the formation and development of a very strong youth section – none existed six years ago, has been of particular interest to me, as without the strong foundations of youth football there is no possibility of young local players making their way up the football ladder into 1st team football. The creation and growth of the LFC Academy has also been a great success.

“Having made my decision, I felt it right to give good notice before the AGM, thus allowing good time for plans to be put in place for next season. Richard Brady has indicated an enthusiasm and willingness, to take on the job of chairman, subject of course to the approval of the members at the AGM."

He added: "He has offered to help with the close season work, and planning for the 2016-17 season. I shall of course continue to support the club in the future, and offer help wherever I can.”

Image courtesy of Leatherhead FC

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook