John Chenery has spoken of why he has voluntarily stepped down as chairman of Hadleigh United, and how he is looking forward to his new role.

After two years in the role, this time, Chenery stood down at last week's AGM, when he was replaced by former junior membership secretary Tracy Croker.

During this tenure, Chenery was previously club chairman in late 1990s, he has now guided the club post-Covid and helped progress on and off the pitch but the admitted the role has taken its toll.

"It has been tough getting things back on on track with a lot to do in the background,

"It has been full on, virtually 24/7 and while it has been hectic but enjoyable, I just wanted a break.

"There was a willing volunteer so I was happy to step aside.

"I will take year or so to reassess. In the meantime I will give Tracy all the support she needs."

His work will continue in part in his new role as site facilities manager.

The former business owner decided it was time to take a break from being chairman Chenery and become 'John will fix it'.

He explained that there is much to do and instead of there being a culture of people thinking 'so and so or so and so, will take responsibility for organising repairs or getting things replaced, John will make sure it is done.

This includes all pitch side maintenance, safety and security match day t comply with league rules, and non match day .

"Part of my role will be to ensure the ground is up to spec making sure they get what they need," he said. "I will be making sure everything is getting serviced, and making sure repairs are getting done.

"I will be checking ahead of a ground inspection by the league and all those unseen things that need doing."

During his term as chairman, Hadleigh enjoyed a good season under manager Steve Holder, who he appointed, despite a bit of a wobble.

Chenery said: "Steve led the team team to ten unbeaten, with just one draw in that run, and we finished joint eight, which was really good considering. and certainly the highest position for some time.

Hadleigh went through a dip when Holder suffered a setback through illness, and the team were hit by a player unavailability injury suspension before rallying, But Chenery is confident a the team will do well again in the new season.

Going forward, Chenery sees the induction on an under-11s girls' team and a positive step, which could eventually lead to more females joining the club.

"Ladies football is on the increase," he said. This will be good for the club that could progress to having a women's side."

Meanwhile, the club was not been helped during his reign by negative publicity surrounding its treasurer Rolf Beggerow, who was sanctioned in his role as Hadleigh town councillor due to his conflict of interest, in particular in an attempt to secure funding for a full size 3G pitch.

Controversy over rubber crumb, and the discovery that the Layham Road Sorts Ground committee, chaired by Beggerow, and the town council, had got the measurements wrong meant the 3G project had to be shelved.