Secretary doubling up as interim chairman

Rainworth Miners Welfare secretary Les Lee has taken on the role of acting chairman at the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club following the resignation of Mark Hawkins.

Hawkins stood down as chairman at the weekend, citing the pressure of work and his duty as a dad to support his son Jack's playing career at Worksop Town, and the First Division South's Wrens confirmed on Wednesday that Lee, pictured, has stepped in while officials consider appointing his successor.

Hawkins took over at Kirklington Road in April 2013 to inject a new lease of life into the club after relinquishing his position on the board of neighbouring Mansfield Town days after the Stags clinched a return to the Football League.

Hawkins explained his decision to fans in a statement released by the Wrens on Monday, admitting that a case of divided loyalties since his son left the club at the start of the season to join the reformed Tigers in the Northern Counties East League had forced his hand.

He said: "A club of Rainworth’s stature deserves and needs a chairman who can give a one-hundred percent commitment and unfortunately due to work commitments that is no longer possible. In addition, I feel as a father that my son also needs my support, something I have done throughout his career."

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