All change at the top for Town but business as usual for Lambert and Podmore

New signing Sean Ray will add experience to the Eastbourne Town defence

Jenkins’ resignation was reluctantly accepted by the committee in a management meeting in May and he was warmly commended for all his work in the role.

Jenkins will remain a member of the committee in the newly created role of commercial manager.

He said, “The decision to step down as chairman of Eastbourne Town Football Club was a very difficult one. Eastbourne Town is a wonderful football club and it was a great honour to lead it.

“However my business continues to expand and I now need to spend more time in the office.

“I would offer heartfelt thanks to all my colleagues who have given so much to the club during my time as chairman. Particular thanks go to Roger Addems and Roger Cooper – two true Town legends whose wisdom and patience have helped me so much.

“Their ability to sustain commitment and enthusiasm over such a long time is truly remarkable.

“I also admire more than ever the efforts of men like Les Aisbett and Len Smith who have helped their club so well for so long. Finally my thanks go to Madeleine and all my family who have supported me in so many ways. I became chairman because I was a fan of Eastbourne Town Football Club and nothing will ever change that. I am therefore delighted to accept the new role of commercial manager.”

On the pitch Town’s preparations for a new season in the Southern Combination Premier are going well.

They fell just short of the title to Horsham last campaign and don’t envisage wholesale changes.

Assistant Jamie Podmore said, “We targeted three or four players. We have already brought in Sean Ray and Evan Archibald so we are very pleased with that. We don’t need wholesale changes, just a few quality additions.

“We have kept most of the squad from last year and hopefully we can go one step further. The lads won’t want to feel that way again and that should spur them on.”

Town enjoyed an 8-1 preseason win against Little Common last week and on Tuesday they meet Langney Wanderers at Shinewater (7pm)