Final whistle for MP as he leaves football role
LAVERY WAS CHAIRMAN OF ASHINGTON FC
LABOUR Party chairman Ian Lavery has stepped down from his role as chairman of Ashington FC.
The decision brings an end to the 55-yearold’s ten-year tenure with the Colliers.
Mr Lavery led a consortium that took control of the Northumberland club in the summer of 2008.
His time with the club saw the Colliers move into their new Woodhorn Lane home, reach the FA Vase fifth round in 2012 and win the Northumberland Senior Cup a year later with a 3-0 win against Whitley Bay at St James’ Park.
Ashington went on to make nationwide headlines when they appointed former England Test cricketer Steve Harmison as their new manager in February 2015.
Now, after a decade as club chairman, Mr Lavery has decided to step down, pointing to pressures in his role with the Labour Party and as MP for Wansbeck.
In an official club statement, Mr Lavery said: “After more than ten years as chairman I am sad to announce that I am standing down from Ashington Community Football Club with immediate effect.
“This is not a decision that has been taken lightly and unfortunately the time pressures associated with my day job mean maintaining a hands-on approach with the club has become impossible.”
Incoming chairman Brian Shotton hailed the work undertaken by Mr Lavery.
“I want to pay tribute to Ian Lavery who has served as chairman of the club for more than a decade having overseen the move from Portland Park and the transition to Woodhorn Lane.
“Ian leaves behind a dedicated team of volunteers and facilities that are a world away from those first provided when the club was moved out of the town centre to make way for its redevelopment.”
Shotton believes that the Colliers are well-placed to build upon the work undertaken by Mr Lavery and the growing band of volunteers at Woodhorn Lane.
The new chairman also said that he will be looking to get more local businesses and organisations involved with the Northern League Division One club.
He said: “As a local businessman I am under no illusions about the challenges that running a football club at this level can bring but I am excited at the prospect of continuing to build the club and to ensure that it remains a focal point of Ashington’s community for many years to come.
“We have a great opportunity to ‘press reset’ at this football club to begin a new era and with the support and dedication of the board, management and playing staff, the excellent supporters, the fantastic junior section and wider community I can only envisage future successes.”