Squires Gate announce committee to start ‘new era’

By Matt Bishop

Squires Gate have announced the appointment of a new committee as the club get ready for a ‘new era’.

After 10 years at the helm, former Chairman Stuart Hopwood stepped down from his role with the North West Counties League side.

As a result, Squires Gate have undergone an extensive recruitment drive to announce a new eleven-man committee, including a new Club President, ahead of the upcoming league campaign.

Current secretary John Maguire, who took over the role from departing Hopwood, will continue in that position for another season, and will be accompanied by well-known local comedian Tony Jo, who has extensive experience in football.

As well as owning his own entertainment business, the funnyman has worked with some of the biggest names in football such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Geoff Hurst and Alan Ball MBE.

Joining them on the new-look committee at this exciting time for the Lancashire club will be Mark Ashmore, Brian Addison, Colin Smith, Marc Sumner, Steve Bellamy, Carl Townson, Chris Chadwick, Spencer Leader and Nick Grindley.

Club legend Brian Addison will also form part of the club’s hierarchy, after he was voted to become the new Club President.

Brian does a tireless amount of work for Squires Gate and the club said: “We can’t think of a better title for the man who sums up Squires Gate Football Club.”