New era at Whitby

17 Oct 2018 By James Gordon

Whitby Town chairman Graham Manser has announced that he will step down after thirty years with the club, calling in a new era at the Turnbull Ground.

The outgoing chairman will leave the club with immediate effect, and has identified business people, entrepreneurs and professionals in the local area to take the club forward.

Taking over from Graham in the capacity of acting chairman will be Eddie McNamee.

Eddie is a former Whitby Town player and a popular person not just at the Turnbull Ground, but in the wider community. He also has a proven track record in the community, working with charities and the club itself to raise vital funds.

Recognising the need for change, Graham Manser said: “It became apparent to me that the club needed a new vision, new ideas and new vitality. I decided therefore that it was time for me to hang up my boots and stand down as chairman.

“I totally support all the new ideas that are being suggested and I must stress that I am not walking away from the club, I am just taking a back seat and I will be more than happy to assist the new Chairman when requested.

“Due to an unforeseen personal issue, I am standing down with immediate effect and Eddie McNamee will take over as acting chairman.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped the club in my time as chairman. Without this assistance the club could not have functioned.”

The club has called a meeting of its full members, next week, to discuss the ways forward for the club.

Graham Manser took over as chairman of the club in July 1994, taking over from Bob Scaife Snr, having been involved since 1988.

During his reign, the club has reached the highest level that it has ever played at, the Northern Premier League, where it has remained since 1998, and has won nine trophies.

Arguably the biggest achievement of his 25-year chairmanship is that of winning the FA Vase at Wembley in 1997, unifying the town in celebration.

The club has also won three North Riding Senior Cups, the most recent in 2016-17 season, the Northern League, Northern Premier League Division 1 North, the Northern League Cup and the JR Cleator Cup twice.

Whitby Town Football Club would like to thank Graham for his contribution and dedication to the club during his time involved, along with his wife Jackie, who has contributed significantly to help out in the clubhouse, canteen and Patron’s Lounge.

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