The statement reads: “At the Altrincham FC AGM in November, our chairman Grahame Rowley announced he was stepping down at the end of the season. It looks like the curtain may be brought down on this season early due to the impact of Covid-19, but the Board have unanimously decided that there should be no change in the chairman whilst we remain in this crisis. Grahame will therefore continue in the role until we emerge from the lockdown, ensuring continuity at the club through the crisis.

“Grahame has filled the role of chairman of Altrincham Football Club with energy, scrupulousness and dignity for the last 10 years, and has served as a Board member for nearly 20 years, and this tenure will continue for a little longer yet.

“Despite all of football being shrouded in uncertainty at the moment and for some time to come, our planning for the next term has begun in earnest. And in order to clarify our intent, we are announcing plans for Grahame’s succession.

“To fill Grahame’s shoes is not an easy task, and the Board have called upon two of our existing directors to step up. Lawrence Looney and Bill Waterson will assume the role of joint chairmen for next season and will lead the planning from now, ensuring continuity and driving the club forward in line with the strategic plan.

“Once this season is done and dusted, and when the restrictions begin to be lifted, Grahame will hand over the chairmanship and will also step down from the Board. He will then take up a role responsible for matchday preparation and execution at The J.Davidson Stadium. In this way, he will continue to serve the club, which is so close to his heart.

“Both Lawrence and Bill will be speaking at more length on their ambitions for the club in due course, but both were keen to pay respect to the outgoing chairman.”

Waterson stated: “All Altrincham fans should remember Grahame’s role in keeping the club alive, paying off all of our debts and building the foundation for our recovery. Grahame leaves the Board with the club in a significantly better state that when he joined.”

Looney added: “We are delighted that Grahame will continue at the club in this new role. His experience, deep knowledge and drive will be of immeasurable importance for us. Grahame was instrumental in bringing me to Altrincham and it's great he will still be there to support us.”

A change in chairman is always a time of uncertainty for a Football Club, and particularly in the current unprecedented circumstances. But by appointing two of the club`s existing directors to the role, Altrincham are emphasising continuity, and will continue to build on the foundations that Grahame laid down throughout his tenure.

“We have been massively boosted by fans brilliant support at this time, which has now exceeded £25,000 across all our sources of fundraising. This gives us a fighting chance of being able to execute on the vision that we presented to you at the Meet the Board session in January this year”.

John Edwards