Long-standing Robins chairman retires
21st February, 2021
Selby Town have announced that their long-serving chairman Ralph Pearse is retiring, thanking him for the progress that the club has made during his many years with the Robins.
Interim chairman Dave Haddock paid tribute, saying that the news was revealed with a heavy heart: "Ralph has been involved with the club for many years, making a significant impact both on- and off-the-pitch, leading it through some of its darkest times and also its greatest achievements, including our centenary celebrations.
"His hard work and dedication to the club and the community is second-to-none, and the impact he has had across the town and throughout all of the NCEL is a testament to just how much time and energy he has provided in his endeavours.
"To put it simply, the club would not exist today without his efforts, and we should all be thankful for that.
"Today's announcement is one of mixed emotions as, although everyone at the club and its supporters will be filled with great sadness, we can all take heart from the fact that Ralph is now free to spend more time with his family and to enjoy the football from the right side of the bar. Long may we continue to hear Ralph’s shouts from the terraces.
"Moving forward, as vice chairman the committee have agreed to let me serve the club in steadying the ship and plotting the course for the future.
"As interim chairman, I would like to assure everyone that I and the committee are dedicated to both upholding Ralph’s legacy and to move the club forward.
"As part of that, I can announce that we aim to provide a significant investment in our facilities, including upgrades to our changing rooms, floodlights, and outside bar area.
"This comes on the back of a recent investment in redeveloping our clubhouse into The Final Whistle which we hope will be open soon for hot meals and drinks, as well as the building of an outside bar area, hospitality suite and a reworked car park with an increased capacity.
"I'd like to thank all of our supporters, volunteers and sponsors, as well as those other outlets that have supported us over the last few months and years such as the Selby Times, York Press, Radio York and local Facebook groups such as SOS Selby.
"We hope to see that support continue and grow as we move onto the next chapter in the life of the club, and I look forward to working with you all.
"We will make further announcements on a permanent chairman as we move forward."
All at the NCEL would like to wish Ralph a very happy retirement and thank him for all that he has done for Selby Town and the league during his time there.
(Story Source: Selby Town)