.....announced that Allen Bethel was stepping down as chairman after more than three decades in the post.

Bethel, 76, had planned to step down at the end of next season but has now decided to step aside now taking in to account his age and in his own words “becoming a little forgetful,” but will stay on as the club’s treasurer.

It started for Bethel in 1982 when he had about six local kids and formed Stocksbridge Juniors.

He then met Michael Grimmer, who is still Stocksbridge’s secretary, and things developed from there.

In 1986 saw the merger of Stocksbridge Works and Oxley Park to form what is now Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Since then Steels have moved forward under Bethel’s leadership to become one of the most stable and highly respected clubs in the area with thirteen teams, ranging from the thriving junior section up to the senior team competing in the Evo Stik Northern Premier League.

The club can boast one of the best pitches and training facilities in the area, alongside acknowledged credibility of paying its players and creditors on time.

Steels also helped several players make their way up to the professional game during Bethel`s time, including of course, the well-publicised Jamie Vardy as well as another striker, Lee Mills, who was sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1991/92, and defender Simon Marples, who went on to have a successful career with Doncaster Rovers.

Taking over as chairman is Graham Furness, who has been involved with the club for twenty years having filled various roles.

The 58-year-old is currently part of the reserve management team and has also been involved with the under-18s and has been the club`s development officer and vice-chairman.