Kilcullen stands down as Fleet chairman

Brian Kilcullen has today announced that he has stood down as the chairman of Nationwide Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet.

The Fleet lost their last game of the season 1-0 to Burton Albion at Stonebridge Road today, and Kilcullen issued the following statement inside his programme notes and on the club’s webite www.gnfc.co.uk

“Before we go public, this is to tell you that I am standing down as Chairman as of today.

“I have always considered myself fortunate to be the steward of this club and it is not a decision that has been taken lightly.

“It is for positive reasons, though I would not be honest if I did not admit that at times it is a very exacting role, both professionally and personally.

"I now intend to concentrate on two very important tasks; raising capital for the club in the short-term and working on the new stadium project in the longer-term.

“We have a five year Business Plan based around ensuring we are financially self-sustainable whilst at the same time having realistic ambitions of getting into and progressing in the Football League.

“This needs a capital base and I will be focusing on this in the months ahead.

“Additionally, we have set up a project team with property developer, Bannertown Apollo, to work on the new stadium project which will include a commercial development that will underpin the club’s financial future.

“I have been honoured to be Chairman of this club for the last six years and fortunate to have had success on and off the pitch, thanks to the many people who have been involved in this club’s development over that period.

“I firmly believe in this club’s potential and want to be around for the long-term to enjoy what could happen on the pitch and see Fleet Leisure and the new stadium project developing as we intend.

“I want to still be heavily involved with this club in five years time. As a Director and major shareholder I will still be actively involved.

“It is just that I feel my time is best spent working on the financing of the club and the new stadium without the many other tasks that come with being Chairman.

“I would very much like to thank the Board of Directors and all the staff at Gravesend & Northfleet Football Club and Fleet Leisure for all the support they have given me over the years; the running of the club has very much been a team effort.

“I have been fortunate to have had great support from you the fans. You are a hard bunch to please at times, but then I am a difficult person to satisfy too.

“I aim high and you must trust me when I say we have all the potential in the world as a football club. There will be ups and downs but please be loyal and positive.

“We have the possibility to create a successful club that gives pride to the area and you will go down as the hard core fan base that were involved when it all started.

“Finally, on a personal level I would like to thank my family for all their support over the last six years. They have made sacrifices from my involvement and without their help I could not have done half of what I have done.”