Stephen Is Ready For Top Role

Stephen Howard has taken over as the secretary of the prestigious Lancashire and Cheshire League, succeeding Brian Davies who has retired after putting in a great and successful stint in the role for 14 years.

Stephen (pictured) outlined his time in football and his aims and ambitions in his new role.

He said: “I started young in the L and C going to games with Dad at Mantact in the L&C and played for Mantact when I was 17.

“I then drifted away really until I was 45 when I took up refereeing, starting in the L&C and I joined the committee on discipline until I got promoted to level 4 referee.

“I completed three years as a level 4 referee and my highlights were officiating at Hillsborough, Oakwell, Burnley (of course), Blackburn Liverpool and of course the odd game in the L&C.

“I re-joined committee as match sheets secretary, and when Joe Perselli left took over his job as referees’ secretary.

“I suppose my Dad John was the one who started my interest in football and the amateur game, but the whole league committee are all stalwarts of amateur football, and they are there to assist and encourage clubs whenever needed.

“Being part of one of the largest amateur leagues in the country is an honour, it allows men of all abilities to train and play amateur football, referees to officiate and volunteers from clubs to get involved.

“The emphasis must be on volunteers for without them where would the amateur game be?

“The league is going through a transition phase mainly due to COVID and people have found out you can do other things on a Saturday. 

“Losing so many teams during this period was difficult and decimated some of the divisions. It’s all now about maintaining the numbers and increasing them over time. 

“The Premier leagues, with change of kick-off times does not help grassroots 

“ As we have an ageing committee, we need to encourage younger ones to help keep this great league going and without succession where will we be?

“Finally the committee have taken a punt on me replaced the irreplaceable in Brian, but I will hopefully repay them with the faith they showed in me.

“I am not forgetting the work Rob Brown is doing with the diversity and exclusion its trailblazing in amateur football let’s get behind him all the way.

“Roll on the new season and let’s see the league continue to enhance its great reputation in amateur soccer in the North West.”