Troubled Welsh
Premier League outfit Llanelli AFC have announced that local businessman Ken
Francis is taking over as chairman.
In a statement on the club’s website, it is said Nitin
Parekh, who has been at the helm since 2005, is stepping aside due to work and
family commitments.
Mr Francis believes his business experience can help the
club, saying: “I feel privileged to be in a position to take this opportunity
of becoming chairman of Llanelli Football Club.
“I have had an interest in the Reds in some capacity for
over 30 years, including a spell as president of the club when the late John
James was chairman.
“I have been in the licensed trade for over 40 years and
will be looking at incorporating my knowledge and experience to the benefit of
the football club. My sincere gratitude goes to Nitin for making his tenure as
chairman the most successful period in the clubs long and distinguished
history.”
Mr Parekh believes that despite the current financial
problems, the club will be in good hands. He said: “It has always been the
club’s policy to put the club back into the community, and Ken is very closely
associated with both the club and the town.
“I have had a terrific time with the club and am extremely
proud of what the club has achieved. We are now laying the foundations for the
next stage of the club’s progress.”
First team manager Bob Jeffrey believes that the club’s
on-the-field success will be Mr Parekh’s legacy, saying: “The Welsh Premier
League title, the League Cup, the Welsh Cup and seven European campaigns speak
for themselves.
“What Nitin has achieved in his seven-and-a-half years as chairman
is a remarkable story. I am looking forward to working under Ken as we look to
move the club forward and onto further success.”
Llanelli survived being wound up last November after a High
Court Judge dismissed the case brought against them at the request of lawyers
for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Former Cardiff and Swansea star Andy
Legg quit as manager the same month, stating he felt “let down” by Mr Parekh,
as the club’s money struggles rumbled on.
The club have announced that a press conference to
officially unveil Mr Francis will be held before their next home game, which
will be determined after the mid-season split once the Reds have played away at
Afan Lido this Saturday.
0 comments:
Post a Comment