Ray Simpson to stand down as Lewisham Borough chairman: I have to say and reassure all our supporters that the club will be in very good hands

RAY SIMPSON says he will be stepping down as chairman, which includes all of his involvement at his beloved club Lewisham Borough at the end of this month.

Mr Simpson was one of the original founder members of the club in 2003, along with George Davis, Joe Collymore and the late Clinton Rhule, whom has the main stand at Ladywell Arena named in his honour.

“Many of you all know what a particularly tough season it has been for the club, myself and the other three directors Juliet Simpson, Richard Leach and Julie Leach,” said Mr Simpson.

“With the club folding for a day back in July 2018 and then being reinstalled was fantastic.

“I along with the other directors have been carrying out a handover to those who will now be running the club and I have to say and reassure all our supporters that the club will be in very good hands.

“I am confident that more success on the pitch will happen in a very short space of time due to the plans which will be in place for next season.

“The directors and myself are very proud of the success that we have achieved off-the-pitch in terms of grounds development and winning numerous awards for administration and hospitality.

“We really do have a stadium to be proud of. 

“An extra special thanks goes to the former Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock who has been instrumental in the development of the club and football and sport in Lewisham - only he and my wife have put up with me for that long! 

“It has been tough for us over the years in terms of securing Step Six status as inaugural members and keeping the club going through difficult financial times and achieving success on the pitch - we have inspite of this thoroughly enjoyed our time.

“The other club directors have also decided to step down at the end of the season. It will be difficult for all of us as it has been such a big part of our lives but the next chapter beckons.”

Lewisham Borough’s last home match is on Easter Monday, 22 April, when Forest Hill Park contest the battle of Ladywell Arena, with the game kicking off earlier at 12:30pm.

“We would love to see some or all of you even briefly just to say goodbye,” added Mr Simpson.

“Thanks to all of you for your kind words, help and assistance over the 16 years the club has been in existence but particularly since 2011 when the Step Six League was formed. What a journey it has been.

“We have made many friends along the way on the management committee, club chairmen and directors, press, supporters, managers, coaches, match officials, players and groundhoppers from all over the world.  Many thanks to you all.”

Lewisham Borough are in thirteenth-place (bottom six) in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table with 32 points from 31 games.

They complete their campaign with a trip to Bromley to play Holmesdale on Good Friday, followed by their derby with Forest Hill two days later, before completing their campaign with a trip to Dartford to tackle Kent Football United on the last day of the season (27 April).