Today marks the end of an era for me. After 22 years as the Chairman of Phoenix Sports Club, I am stepping down. It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly but I know it’s the right time for a change for both me personally and for the club. 

A short time ago, we were approached by Tony Crowder, who expressed an interest in getting involved and investing in Phoenix. After several meetings with Tony, we as a board of directors agreed that he and his team would be a real asset to Phoenix—something the club needs as it moves forward. During our discussions, Tony shared our vision of what Phoenix could become. Through these talks, he convinced us he is the right man to take Phoenix to the next level.

Personally, I feel very happy and proud of what we have achieved over the past 22 years. However, I also realise that the time is right for me to step down and (subject to FA ratification) for Tony to replace me.

Looking back on my time as Chairman, I can hardly believe it has been so long. It does not seem like 22 years ago when Stephen House (then Vice Chairman) and I attended the last EGM, where all board members resigned. We both volunteered to join a new board, and to be honest, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. In hindsight, that was probably for the best—otherwise, we may never have agreed to join!

I would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who have assisted me over the years in running the club. There are too many to mention individually but they have done an incredible job. My good friend and the club’s vice chairman Stephen House was an invaluable part of the club, and without his help, both financially and physically, over the last 22 years, Phoenix would not exist. Steve was a force of nature when it came to this club and his legacy will always be here at Phoenix Sports. Rest assured that the Phoenix board are going to sort the best way to honour his memory here at Phoenix. 

So many people, including many in this room have played their part in keeping this fantastic family club going.

When we took over, Phoenix’s senior section was almost nonexistent, sitting at the bottom of Kent County Division 2. Now, we are proud to be competing in the Isthmian South East Division, where we have remained for seven seasons. Our ground facilities have improved immensely, along with our junior section, which is something I am very proud of.

However, as we all know, senior success on the pitch brings financial challenges. While we have been holding our own, the past few seasons—especially after COVID—have proved tough. Former manager Steve O’Boyle did an excellent job for us in two spells, but unfortunately, we couldn’t afford to keep up with his ambitions and I know Steve’s departure upset many of our fans. This is one of the hard parts of being Chairman: making decisions that you know will not please everyone. However, I can honestly say that every decision I’ve been involved in during my tenure has been made with the club’s best interests at heart.

My final decision to stand down and welcome Tony Crowder as the new Chairman reflects my philosophy: Phoenix as a club must always come first. This year, the club will celebrate its 90th anniversary, and with Tony at the helm, its future looks brighter than ever. 

Here’s to another 90 years of Phoenix!

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Mortlock