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Gresley Rovers Press Release - Neil Betteridge
Gresley Rovers have today announced that Neil Betteridge is to step back from the frontline and relinquish his position of Club Secretary, although he will continue to support and assist the Club whenever possible.
Neil, who has been Secretary for the past 12 seasons, has had other increasing commitments with added roles and responsibilities over recent years, and is no longer in a position to dedicate the necessary time commitment required.Speaking on the announcement, Chairman Mark Evans commented: "Club owes a huge debt of gratitude to Neil; he has worked tirelessly and unselfishly promoting professionalism and a standard of work second to none. Neil was the very first person that introduced himself to me when I arrived at the Moat Ground and I am honoured and proud to be able to call him a friend.
"Neil has been at my side throughout my Chairmanship, we have together taken the rough with the smooth and shared some very special times and moments. Whilst I am sorry to see him step down as Secretary, I truly understand his reasons, moreover it's exactly the sort of professional decision I would expect from him. I know he has agonised over this for some time. I'm just glad he will still be available for advice and other assistance".
Neil Betteridge, on confirming his decision to take a step back, added
"It has been a very difficult decision to make, but one that I knew was right for me and for Gresley Rovers. Since 1991, the Club has occupied a huge part of my life with many highs and lows and I have enjoyed it immensely. In particular, the moments that are etched in the memory include the epic F.A. Vase Final at Wembley in 1991, the F.A. Cup ties at Crewe (1994) and Walsall (1998), winning the Southern League in 1997, great runs in the F.A Trophy in 1996 and 2002, and numerous Derbyshire Senior Cup victories. However, if I had to pick a single favourite match, it would have to be the 3-2 victory over Burton Albion at a packed Eton Park on Boxing Day of the Southern League Championship season when we came from 2-0 behind well into the second half.
"In recent years, the Club has been forced to consolidate for financial reasons and Mark Evans has led this recovery magnificently, often in difficult circumstances. Under his continuing leadership and with the excellent support the Club enjoys, I am confident that the Club is now structured to progress further in the new non-league football pyramid and I look forward to continuing to support and assist the Club whenever possible".
