ARLE BE THERE ON TOP TABLE!

DAVE KITSON is used to leading from the front – now he’s swapped his goalscoring boots for the boardroom at former club Arlesey Town.

The 41-year-old has stepped in to take over as interim chairman of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side following the resignation of John Morrell.

Kitson first appeared for the club as a 20-year-old in 2000-2001, leading the Blues to the Ryman League Division Three title in his first season.

A big move to Cambridge United later led to a stellar Premier League career with Reading and Stoke City, but Arlesey Town has always held a place in the striker’s heart.

Opportunity

Morrell stood down this week after five years as chairman, having helped steer the club through a period of financial difficulties and restraint.

He was also due to lead the club’s 130-year anniversary celebrations next season.

Accepting the call to help out, Kitson said: “I would like to thank the committee for offering me the opportunity to take on the role as interim chairman.

“I would also like to thank John Morrell for the sterling work he has done as chairman to lead the club to this point. Arlesey has always had a place in my heart and I made numerous lifelong friends during my time here.

“This is an exciting period for everyone involved at the club and

I look forward to contributing to the start of the next chapter in the club’s history.” Kitson made over 100 appearances for Cambridge, scoring 40 goals, earning him a move to Championship club Reading. There, he played over 130 games and scored 54 goals, helping the Royals secure promotion to the Premier League with a record 106 points. Kitson went on to play for Stoke, Middlesbrough,

Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Oxford United before seeing his playing career out back at Arlesey and working as a pundit.

A club statement read: “In light of John’s resignation, the committee looked to promptly seek out a potential replacement. It was decided there was a clear candidate in which they would like to approach and someone they felt the members would be glad to see back at the club.

“We are excited to have Dave on board as we now start looking to further secure the club’s future.”