TRIBUTES have been paid to Wellington AFC chairman Mike Hall who has surprisingly stepped down after 14 years in the role.

During his time at the helm, the first team have been promoted to the premier division of the Jewson Western League, the club’s number of teams has increased, and extensive improvement have taken place to its facilities at the Carly Press Ground.

Vice-chairman Graham Aspin said: “Mike has been central to everything we have achieved in recent years.

“In addition to our successes on the off the pitch, our finances are healthy and we have a set-up which is the envy of many other clubs across the Southwest.

“Mike has worked tirelessly to help make all that happen and we cannot thank him enough.

“There will always be a warm welcome for him at Wellington AFC, and we all hope he will get involved again in whatever capacity in the future.”

Mike said the decision to step down had not been taken lightly. “Wellington AFC has become a huge part of my life, and being chairman has been an absolute privilege.

“However, over recent months, I have had to be honest with myself about the demands of the role, and I have reached a point where I feel I can no longer give the role the time, energy and commitment it deserves.”

Mike said his decision had not been taken because he had stopped caring about Wellington AFC.

“Quite the opposite. I care deeply about this club, its people, and its future, and that is part of what makes this decision so difficult.

“I believe the club deserves a chairman who has the capacity and energy to give it the attention it needs, and I feel that the right thing for both me and the club is for me to step aside.”

He thanked the committee, volunteers, coaches, players, parents, supporters, and everyone who contributes to Wellington AFC, recognising the considerable work which takes place behind the scenes.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many people who genuinely care about this club.

“There have been difficult moments, as there inevitably are in football, but there have also been some fantastic memories and achievements I will take with me.

“I sincerely hope that this is not the end of my connection with Wellington AFC. This club has become a huge part of my life, and I will always want to see it succeed.

“I will continue to support the club and wish nothing but the very best for everyone involved.

“Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as chairman of Wellington AFC. It has been an honour I will never forget.”

Mike had been in charge of the first team this season while the club searched for a new man to take charge.

With almost the entire first team from last season having moved on, Wellington had failed to win a game - either in the league or the FA Cup or FA Vase.

While the club looks to appoint a new chairman, it will be overseen by Graham Aspin and Ken Bird, supported by the other members of its management committee.