I CAN announce that Steven Lewis has been elected the new chairman of Bashley FC, succeeding Paul Lucas, who has left the position after four years.

The decision was ratified at an EGM of the club, held at the GlenMex Stadium on May 9th. Mr Lucas’s formal resignation was accepted with Mr Lewis unanimously elected by Club President Larry Cummins, plus executive committee members Malcolm Maidment, Roger Ware and myself.

Mr Lewis said: “It’s an honour and privilege to take the helm of such a prestigious football club, with its rich heritage and history. I am excited to have the opportunity to take Bashley forward and build a football club we can all continue to be proud of.

“My first decision as chairman is to appoint Dave Lewis as First Team manager. Dave has vast Southern League experience and as a former player of the Bash is well respected in non-league football, particularly in the New Forest area. He will appoint his management and coaching staff as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank Paul Lucas for his hard work, commitment, and financial support to the club over the past four seasons, which has secured and maintained Southern League status. With Covid, cost of living crisis and the wettest winter since records began it’s not been an easy time to be a chairman of any football club.”

Paul Lucas said: “I have been proud to lead Bashley Football Club and to be leaving them solvent and at a higher status than when I arrived. Last season was a difficult one for many reasons and although we were aiming higher, we retained our Southern League place, which was crucial.

“As I have mentioned previously, my reasons for leaving at this moment are entirely private and personal and I will continue to support the club, not only as a fan, but with various forms of sponsorship.

“I have met the new chairman, Steve Lewis, and I am confident the club is in safe hands. He has some impressive ideas, and there are strong foundations for him and our committee to build on.”

In addition, Dave Lewis and Danny Bowers were voted onto the executive committee, replacing Jason Hardy, Paul Reid and Elisabeth Marrion, who have also resigned.

Contrary to previous statement, John Pyatt will not be joining the executive committee.