ABERYSTWYTH Town FC’s outgoing chairman Tony Bates says that he is proud of the Club’s efforts to become a key part of the local community, through the installation of its 3G artificial pitch.

Bates, who stepped down after seven years as chairman at last week’s Club AGM, was instrumental in the development of the infrastructure at Park Avenue, and has now been replaced in the role by Donald Kane.

The Aberystwyth solicitor said that the emphasis of Club must now be on using its excellent new facilities to foster local young footballing talent.

“I became Board Chairman and Managing Director of this great Club in 1999, and have been Club Chairman since 2010,” said Bates.

“As a company lawyer, I knew when taking on these roles that the needs of a busy Limited Company, particularly one involving a wide spectrum of football-related activities, would be a test of my mettle!

“During this time, the Club has been blessed with a very pro-active Board of Directors and a dedicated group of volunteers, without whom it would be unable to function.

“I believe that the provision of the 3G pitch, and the additional works recently carried out, combined with the infrastructure already in place, have created a stadium of which the Club can be extremely proud.

“In my view, the Club now needs to concentrate fully on the sporting side of the Club. Thanks largely to our excellent coaches and administrators, we have first class Development and Academy sides, together with Ladies and Disability teams.

“Given our geographical position, there is no doubt in my mind that the Club needs to put greater emphasis on fostering local talent, particularly if we wish to continue to represent the town and the wider area in the Welsh Premier League.

“I also passionately believe that the Club should, to an even greater extent than at present, constitute a ‘Community Hub’ for the youth of the area and the provision of the 3G pitch has obviously taken a great leap towards achieving that goal.

“While I am proud of the Club’s achievements during my time serving the Club since 1999, I am convinced that now is the right time for me to step aside, not only for a younger person but, more importantly, for a person whose knowledge of the game is second to none.

“In my view, Donald Kane’s appointment last night was an important step in the future of the Club. My role will change significantly, but he knows he will continue to have my full support as a Director.”

New Chairman Donald Kane has paid tribute to Tony’s contribution.

“On behalf of all the Directors I’d like to thank Tony for the incredible work he has done - and continues to do - for the Club,” said Kane.

“Tony was there at the start for David Evans and myself in his position as Club solicitor. From successfully negotiating the Safeway deal along with Dai, his responsibilities rapidly expanded, culminating in taking over as chairman in 2010.

“As Directors we did not want Tony to step down, but we also understand that the work, time and effort he put into securing a 3G pitch for Aberystwyth has left him pleading for time off. This was a personal journey for him, producing a lasting legacy for the Club and Town.”

All of the Club’s Board of Directors, including Tony Bates, Donald Kane, David Evans, Emyr James, Jimmy Edwards, Kevin Morrison, Thomas Crockett, Tomi Lewis and Rob Berner have been re-elected.