All change at the top for Hill

After seventeen years it's all change at the top for Burgess Hill Town, as Chairman Kevin Newell- and General Manager John Rattle- depart their roles.

In a statement on the club website, Kevin- a fine servant not only of his club but of the Pitching In Isthmian League, where he is a director- explained:

'After 17 years at Burgess Hill Town FC, I have decided that it is time for me to step aside and hand over the responsibility for running this Club to a new board of Directors. I am delighted to say that Vince Alfieri, founder and chairman of the very successful Burgess Hill Town Juniors, has agreed to take this on with immediate effect – subject only to approval of the FA and Isthmian League. It has been a privilege to be the custodian of this Club, but it is time for some fresh ideas and energy to take the Club forward. I would like to give heartfelt thanks to all our loyal volunteers and a special word for my right hand man John Rattle, who will also be resigning from his role, without whose commitment and loyalty I could not have managed.

I will be staying around in an advisory capacity as non-executive Chairman, and of course continuing to give my full support to Jay and the team. Meanwhile, please continue to support the Club and the new leadership team.'

During his tenure with Hill Kevin has brought stability and success to the club. He has navigated his way successfully through many difficulties with the local authority- the club's landlords- and has fought with tenacity to both keep Hill in their home and to push for a new home elsewhere in the town.

On the field there have been some fine moments- an incredible unbeaten run and promotion in 2015 stands out, as well as cup runs which saw Sutton United, Aldershot Town, Wealdstone and Harrow Borough vanquished. The high points of Hill's footballing success have all come under his guidance.

We send the very best of luck to Vince Alfieri, who has very big shoes to fill!

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