Andrew Mortlock steps down as the chairman of Phoenix Sports after 22 years at the helm

PHOENIX SPORTS chairman Andrew Mortlock has stepped down from the role after 22 years at the helm.

Mr Mortlock took over when the club were bottom of the Kent County League Second Division and the Barnehurst-based club have worked their way up to the eighth-tier of English football – the Isthmian League South East Division.

“It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly but I know it’s the right time for a change for both me personally and for the club,” said Mr Mortlock in yesterday’s statement.

“A  short time ago, we were approached by Tony Crowder, who expressed an interest in getting involved and investing in Phoenix.  After several meetings with Tony, we as a board of directors agreed that he and his team would be a real asset to Phoenix – something the club needs as it moves forward.

“During our discussions, Tony shared our vision of what Phoenix could become.  Through these talks, he convinced us he is the right man to take Phoenix to the next level.

“Personally, I feel very happy and proud of what we have achieved over the past 22 years.  However, I also realise that the time is right for me to step down and (subject to FA ratification) for Tony to replace me.

“Looking back on my time as chairman, I can hardly believe it has been so long! It does not seem like 22 years ago when Stephen House (then vice-chairman) and I attended the last EGM, where all board members resigned.

“We both volunteered to join a new board and to be honest, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.  In hindsight, that was probably for the best – otherwise, we may never have agreed to join!

“I  would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who have assisted me over the years in running the club. There are too many to mention individually but they have done an incredible job.

“My good friend and the club’s vice chairman, Stephen House, was an invaluable part of the club and without his help, both financially and physically, over the last 22 years, Phoenix would not exist.

“Steve was a force of nature when it came to this club and his legacy will always be here at Phoenix Sports.   Rest assured that the Phoenix board are going to sort the best way to honour his memory here at Phoenix.

“So many people have played their part in keeping this fantastic family club going.

“When we took over, Phoenix’s senior section was almost non-existent, sitting at the bottom of Kent County Division Two.

“Now, we are proud to be competing in the Isthmian South East Division.   Our ground facilities have improved immensely, along with our junior section, which is something I am very proud of.

“However, as we all know, senior success on the pitch brings financial challenges.  While we have been holding our own, the past few seasons, especially after Covid, have proved tough.

“Former manager, Steve O’Boyle, did an excellent job for us in two spells, but unfortunately, we couldn’t afford to keep up with his ambitions and I know Steve’s departure upset many of our fans.

“This is one of the hard parts of being chairman, making decisions that you know will not please everyone.

“However, I can honestly say that every decision I’ve been involved in during my tenure has been made with the club’s best interests at heart.

“My final decision to stand down and welcome Tony Crowder as the new chairman reflects my philosophy.  Phoenix as a club must always come first. 

“This year the club will celebrate its 90^th anniversary and with Tony at the helm, it’s future looks brighter than ever. Here’s to another 90 years of Phoenix!”

The club are currently sitting in the bottom three of the Isthmian League South East Division, having picked up four wins, two draws and 18 defeats.

Darren Anslow’s side are four points adrift of safety, within a relegation zone that also contains Littlehampton Town, Hythe Town and Steyning Town Community.

“After three months of conversations and transition planning, Andy Mortlock stepped down as chairman yesterday and it was agreed with the current board that I would be his successor,” added Mr Crowder in a club website statement.

“First of all, I really want to thank Andy for his help during this period and for how welcome everyone associated with Phoenix has made me feel since I set foot in the club.

“I am delighted to welcome Dekel Yehezkel to the board of directors alongside me, as well as Jimmy Stone, who will be joining Phoenix full-time as director of operations. Both will serve on the board alongside the existing members.

“I am also delighted that current club secretary, Tony Highstead, is remaining in post. Tony has been incredibly helpful to date and his experience is going to be imperative as we move the club forward together.

“Dekel, Jimmy and I are incredibly proud to be part of this club. It has a rich history; solid foundations and we arrive with fresh ideas and a plan to drive Phoenix Sports forward both on and off the pitch.

“We are huge fans of non-league football and will be travelling home and away to watch Phoenix. We have met lots of supporters already but look forward to meeting many more between now and the end of the season.

“Our immediate goal this season is for the first team to secure our place in Step Four and we firmly believe that Darren Anslow and his team are the right men to give us the best chance of doing that.

“In an ideal world we’d have hoped to have a few more points on the board but there are plenty still to play for and we firmly believe the current squad, will pick up the points required to get us out of trouble.

“As we look ahead, we’re focused on improving our infrastructure, growing our fan base, and making Phoenix a hub for the local community - a welcoming, family friendly place to enjoy football. You, the supporters, are going to be crucial to everything we do.

“One of the things that has impressed us most since coming on board is the potential of the club’s youth setup. We believe that developing young talent is a key part of our future, and we’re committed to supporting that growth.

“We will be working hard to make sure Phoenix is not only a fun, safe and enjoyable environment for young people to play football but can also offer a pathway to the club’s first team.

“Thank you for the warm welcome and we're excited for the journey and we hope you are too.”

Visit Phoenix Sports website: www.phoenixsportsclub.co.uk