Stalwart will be there for successor

The Greens hailed their popular stalwart after he told fellow officials that he was bringing down the curtain on 27 years of service to the club at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

Etchell has vowed be there for his eventual successor if needed and a Greens spokesman said: "Graham’s knowledge, guidance and experience has been crucial, particularly in recent years following our departure from Claremont Road, our nomadic years and our move into Silver Jubilee Park, in ensuring that we were able to keep the club alive and continue playing football.

"Graham has worked tirelessly in his role, ensuring all the administration at the club has been kept in order and making sure that everyone and everything is in the right place at the right time and we mustn't forget Lyn, his wife, who has helped behind the scenes at the club and supported Graham in so many ways and for so many years.

"Graham will attend occasional Hendon games next season and has promised to ensure that there is a handover period so that anyone who assumes any of his responsibilities will have the benefit of his experience and knowledge."

The spokesman added: "Clearly, his departure will leave a huge hole at the club and Hendon’s Trust Board and the football club board are now looking at a number of options on how best to replace him before deciding exactly how to proceed on the way forward."

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