Following the departure of Paul Maitland, current Director Ralph Ricardo will immediately assume the role of interim Chairman. The club will take a considered approach in selecting a permanent successor, allowing time to identify the right long-term candidate.
We would also like to share with you some lasting words from Paul, and again would like to thank him for all his efforts and service to the club.
Following my decision to step down from my role as Chairman and as a Director of Weymouth Football Club, I wanted to put out the following statement:
This decision was incredibly tough to make, as my passion for the football club remains, and I am as desperate as anyone to see it succeed. Having said that, it is important to know when to stop, and that point has arrived for me. Being Chairman is a huge undertaking and a difficult task, but one I always did to the best of my ability.
It has been a great honour to have served Weymouth Football Club through the good and the bad, but it is now time for someone else to step in, bringing a fresh perspective and a new energy. It has become increasingly difficult for me to give the necessary time needed to carry the club forward again. Whilst we have made positive strides in many areas, the disappointments on the pitch have not made this any easier, and the resistance to change off the pitch has also had an impact.
My life away from the club sees me with a young family and a growing business that requires more of my time than ever before.
I wish to thank all of those who stood alongside me in the darkest of times and the best of times. There are so many wonderful people who dedicate so much time, energy, and financial help to the continued running of the club.
To the supporters, I hope the future can be brighter and that the good times can come again. I will always treasure the memories of the Taunton game, the Dartford final and all the celebrations that followed.
To the Directors, Managers, Players and Staff that I have worked with over the best part of 15 years, thank you for working alongside me. It has at times been tough and difficult, but with plenty of highs and laughs.
Finally, thank you to my family, in particular my partner and my children, who have never known anything other than sharing me with Weymouth Football Club! Leaving will be difficult and a change for all of us, but the Terras will always have a special place in our hearts.
Good luck to all for the future, and best wishes
Paul
