Reds announce new Chairman

A statement on the Llanelli AFC website says that they have announced a chairman as Nitin Parekh has stepped down.

The full statement follows:

Llanelli Football Club are delighted to announce an important appointment at the Club. Ken Francis, a local Llanelli businessman, has accepted the position of Chairman of Llanelli and takes over from Nitin Parekh, who has stepped down due to work and family commitments, having been chairman since 2005.

Ken has had a long association with the Club and Nitin Parekh commented that the Club is in strong hands. “It has always been the Club’s policy to put the Club back into the Community, and Ken is very closely associated with both the Club and the Town. I have had a terrific time with the Club and am extremely proud of what the Club has achieved. We are now laying the foundations for the next stage of the Club’s progress.”

The Club has a clear structure with Ken aiming to raise the Club’s profile in the Community, Bob Jeffrey, supported by Gary Lloyd, responsible for all football related matters, and Liza Lloyd continuing to run the Social Club.

The Club is really thankful that so many people continue to work as volunteers, driving the Club forward. Over the next few months, the Club intends to launch a number of further Community schemes as well as events at the Club.

Ken is looking forward to his new role with the club saying:

“I feel privileged to be in a position to take this opportunity of becoming Chairman of Llanelli Football Club. I have had an interest in the Reds in some capacity for over 30 years, including a spell as President of the club when the late John James was Chairman. I have been in the licensed trade for over 40 years and will be looking at incorporating my knowledge and experience to the benefit of the football club. My sincere gratitude goes to Nitin for making his tenure as Chairman the most successful period in the clubs long and distinguished history.”

Bob Jeffrey current First Team Manager recognises the role that Nitin has played at the club and is looking forward to working with Ken in achieving further success and establishing the club within the Llanelli Community saying:

“The Welsh Premier League title, the League Cup, the Welsh Cup and seven European campaigns speak for themselves. What Nitin has achieved in his seven and a half years as Chairman is a remarkable story. I am looking forward to working under Ken as Chairman though as we look to move the club forward and onto further success.”

A press conference to officially unveil Ken will be held before the next Llanelli home game.