Ralph Pearse has retired as chairman of Selby Town after over a decade in charge of the club.
The sad news was announced on Friday night and ends the tenure of one of the most-loved chairman in the Northern Counties East League.
Mr Pearse’s connection to Selby Town goes back more than a century as his family has long being associated with the club so it is truly the end of an era.
He served in nearly every role for Selby Town, including player and manager.
In a statement, interim chairman Dave Haddock said: “It is with a heavy heart that Selby Town FC announces the retirement of long-standing Chairman, Ralph Pearse.
“Ralph has been involved with the club for many years, making a significant impact both on and off the pitch and leading it through some of its darkest times and also its greatest achievements including our centenary celebrations. His hard work and dedication to the club and the community are second to none, and the impact he has had across the town and throughout all of the NCEL is a testament to just how much time and energy he has provided in his endeavours. To put it simply, the club would not exist today without his efforts, and we should all be thankful for that.
“Today’s announcement is that of mixed emotions, as although everyone at the club and its supporters will be filled with great sadness, we can all take heart from the fact that Ralph is now free to spend more time with his family and to enjoy the football from the right side of the bar. Long may we continue to hear Ralph’s shouts from the terraces.
“Moving forward, as vice-chairman, the committee has agreed to let me serve the club in steadying the ship and plotting the course for the future. As interim chairman, I would like to assure everyone that I and the committee are dedicated to both upholding Ralph’s legacy and to move the club forward. As part of that, I can announce that we aim to provide significant investment in our facilities, including upgrades to our changing rooms, floodlights, and outside bar area. This comes on the back of a recent investment in redeveloping our clubhouse into The Final Whistle which we hope will be open soon for hot meals and drinks, as well as the building of an outside bar area, hospitality suite and a reworked car park with an increased capacity.”