Stalwart to leave

Long-term club man Chris Dearns is to leave his position of club secretary at Pheonix Park, and will be sorely missed according to first team boss Steve Toyne.

Dearns announced his exit this week, after what he called a difficult decision.

He said: “I have decided now the club is in a rejuvenation period it is time to retire as Dinnington Town club secretary.”

“I have made many friends in the Dinnington area, most of those helped the club to get where it is today.”

“I have great memories working with them regenerating the facilities and the many happy hours spent building walls, fencing and laying concrete to get the grading to enter the NCEL.”

He highlighted the growth of the club’s junior section since its formation in 2003 as one of the things he will look back on with pride.

“I personally have happy memories of the Saturday morning soccer school, we started with a handful of boys and girls of different age groups and skills.”

“It is good to see some of the youngsters going on to play for league clubs and I hope this will carry on and eventually we will see a senior team full of local players.”

Having worked closely with Toyne for many years to keep the often cash-strapped club afloat, Dearns admitted it was a tough call to leave the club after 11 years.

He said: “I will miss the banter with the supporters, players and other club members during the games, especially Dinnington Town Manager Steve Toyne.”

“It has been a difficult and long decision to make.”

“Thank you to every one I have met in my 11 years as Club Secretary, the legacy is there, its time for the next period.”

First team manager Toyne paid tribute to Dearns, telling the Guardian: “We will miss him when he goes.”

“He’s virtually irreplacable, and myself and everyone at the club would love him to stay.”

“We’re very grateful for everything he’s done and we’re sorry he’s leaving.”

Toyne confirmed Dearns will remain in his post until replacements can be found.

The club are looking to fill the roles of club secretary, first team match day secretary, reserve match day secretary, FA Charter Standard co-ordinator, welfare officer, volunteer co-ordinator, schools liason officer, press officer and website manager.

Some of the roles could be combined, and while the work is unpaid, all material costs will be reimbursed by the club.

Anyone intersted in joining the club in one of the vacancies should contact Chris Dearns on 07854 722465 or e-mail [email protected].