Tolfrey steps down as Holmesdale's chairman

Monday 07th June 2010

HOLMESDALE have today confirmed that Ray Tolfrey has stepped down as chairman of the club at last Friday’s Annual General Meeting, writes Stephen McCartney.

Mr Tolfrey has reluctantly made this decision after recently moving away from the area to deepest Kent.

The club, based at Oakley Road, Bromley, have only played Kent League football for three season’s and have finished in 15th, 5th and 10th place during that time.

The club will shortly announce the appointment of their new chairman.

A statement, posted on the club’s official website www.holmesdalefc.co.uk said: “Realistically he is now unable to commit the time to the club that he would like and in light of this has made the decision to step down. He will still be attending games as and when he can and will still be around the club but on a less formal basis, if that's possible!

“Holmesdale FC would like to put on record it's gratitude for all the time, effort and money that Ray has put into the club over the many years that he has been associated with it.

“This goes back to when he was manager of the successful Holmesdale youth team's, many of which are still involved with Holmesdale to date and again Ray was integral to this.”

Mr Tolfrey has overseen a remarkable rise in the club's fortunes from their move from Oaks Road, Shirley, which was basically a park pitch, to their new home at Oakley Road, Bromley.

He has headed the club’s progression on the field from Division 1 West of the Kent County League to the Bulmers Cider Kent League.

Along the way the club won the Surrey Intermediate Cup, were runners-up in the Inter Regional Cup and won back to back Kent County League titles which culminated in the promotion to the Kent League.

“It is safe to say that without Ray's input and commitment to the cause, Holmesdale FC would probably not exist today and certainly not in its present form,” added the statement.

“Ray has yellow and green blood and has been the driving force behind Holmesdale. He has worked tirelessly and relentlessly to keep the club moving forward and always given us 100%.

“We are pleased that Ray has agreed to be our Honorary President and we wish him and Denise the very best for their future as country folk. Thanks Ray for everything.”

Meanwhile, the club have appointed Ross Mitchell, the club’s current goalkeeper coach as their new secretary.

Visit Holmesdale’s website: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk