Lines steps down after a stadium job well done

Horsham FC’s chief executive John Lines has stepped down from the role after serving on the board of directors for 15 years,

The club said Lines had played an integral role since joining the board in 2005, with his tireless focus on securing their new home finally coming to an end when they moved into The Camping World Community Stadium last year.

As well as his behindthe-scenes role, Lines is often found on a matchday behind the lens as club photographer, a role which he will be continuing.

Lines said: “The club will forever be a part of my life. Through the ups and downs of the process that saw us into our fantastic new ground, I felt I could contribute fully to all the questions and arguments racked up by HDC and others, and that’s where I felt my most comfortable.

“We are past that now and the club needs a wholly different kind of director.

“Now that Sam (Borrett) and Sean (Bravery) have joined the board, it has been a revelation to me just how their aspirations and their brilliant ideas for the future will project the club to great success... it is more of this younger breed the club needs.

“I feel I’ve done my bit but now I want to move from the frontline into the fold of being a supporter and simply enjoy the buzz.”

Chairman Kevin Borrett said: “The club owes a huge debt to John for his 15 years’ service on the Board and I know everyone will want to thank him for that.

“Property development was his forte, combined with his passion for action photography. The club has been truly fortunate to have had him devote so much of his time over a long period to its service.”

Horsham FC chairman Kevin Borrett explained why all parties felt it was the right time for John Lines to step down as CEO.

As reported on the back page, Lines is ending a 15year spell on the board having helped lead the project to take the Hornets into their naw stadium.

Borrett said: “Today we are now at the point where the final planning permissions associated with building the ground are largely complete and other legacy issues likewise.

“The focus is now very much on building our all age community club and operating our facilities.

“That task has also grown in nature, given the new normal that will emerge following the Covid-19 outbreak and John therefore concluded that now is the right time for him to stand back as writing the next chapter of HFC history is going to be a longer-term activity than just the next 12 months or so.

“John is not leaving the club, but instead wants to be able to enjoy matchdays with his camera, just without the long daily hours he has otherwise been committing on HFC matters.”

With the Hornets’ attentions now turning to next season, the club said they were working hard, and safely, to prepare the stadium and how they willv operate when it re-opens.

Youth plans for next season are continuing to develop.