Safe hands at the helm for return

27 May 2017 By David Watters

Gosport Borough will have a new chairman at the helm when they return to the EVO-STIK League Southern.

Tony Stares, the relegated National League South club’s legendary keeper in the 1980s and current academy manager, was unveiled on Saturday as the successor to Mike Hook at Privett Park.

In a statement announcing his appointment with immediate effect, Boro officials said Stares, pictured, would continue to run their academy while "looking to steer the club back onto an even keel after the financial difficulties of last season and the subsequent relegation".

The shake-up following the recent exit of Hook also saw Brian Cosgrave named this weekend as a new life president of the club in recognition of his 27 years as general secretary. Mike Buxton, who has a wealth of experience at both the Bournemouth Youth League and Hampshire FA, succeeds Cosgrave.

The Boro won promotion to Conference South for the first time in their history in 2013 via the EVO-STIK League Southern's play-off with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Hemel Hempstead Town after a fifth-placed finish to the campaign.

Image courtesy of gosportboroughfc.co.uk

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Where next?

Director of footballing doubling up Yate Town director of football Nigel Hawkins will be doubling up at the EVO-STIK League Southern's Bluebells next season as a first team coach.

Leading brewers sponsor makeover Fans visiting Banbury United's home when the new EVO-STIK League Southern season kicks off will will be enjoying a drink in added comfort after the Puritans celebrated a new sponsorship deal with one of the country's leading brewers.