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Club chairman stands down due to health and personal reasons




SOUTHAM United chairman Mike Davis has stepped down, citing family and health reasons for his decision. Sean Duffy and Kayne Mann have taken over the running of the struggling Hellenic League Division One side.

Davis had spoken of a five-year plan to build the club, helped by the creation of a strong junior section. There was also talk of a new 3G pitch at the Bobby Hancocks Stadium which included negotiations with HS2 who are carrying out major work adjacent to the ground.

In a letter sent this week, Davis explained that he had faced some personal health challenges.

Chairman Mike Davis in action for the first team. Photo: Mark Williamson
Chairman Mike Davis in action for the first team. Photo: Mark Williamson

He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to step back from my role at Southam United FC.

“This club has been a labour of love, a passion that has driven me to give everything I had - physically, mentally, financially and socially. From regularly dedicating over 40 voluntary hours a week, investing my own resources and putting the club at the forefront of my life, Southam United has been more than a football club to me, it’s been my second family. My first family would argue in fact that they have been in second place.

“However, as much as I’ve poured my heart and soul into the club, the toll it has taken has become too much to bear. Missing key family events like birthdays, meals, and even the chance to watch my own sons play football and missing their first Newcastle game, has made me realise it’s time to put my health, my financial stability, and most importantly, my family first.”

Speaking to the Herald in October, Davis referred to the financial hit the club had taken after a number of games had to be postponed due to drainage issues.

He said: “The one thing I’ve found is that the outgoings have nearly tripled in the past three years and the financing of teams has gone crazy. There are teams playing at our level with a budget of £3,500 a week!

“We operate without a budget and my sole aim and goal at Southam United is to maintain the sustainability of the football club so that if I or any of the investors or sponsors walk away then it is still sustainable. That has been my driving force.”

In his resignation letter, he thanked the fans, players, volunteers, and the local community.

“Your unwavering support, your kind messages, and your understanding over the past weeks mean more to me than words can express. I hope that those who have been part of this journey can appreciate just how far we’ve come together.”

And he added that with Duffy and Mann at the helm, the club was in safe hands.

He said: “Their initial priority is to ensure the football club's stability and future in my absence. Both have a wealth of experience in sports club infrastructure and management, paired with a passion and drive that will undoubtedly help Southam continue to grow and excel.

“I have worked closely with them to ensure the club’s future is both secure and progressive. I have every confidence that they will take the club to new heights, and I urge the community to rally behind them as you did for me.”



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