10:31am Tuesday 2nd June 2009
By Stuart Amos
Former FA chief executive Brian Barwick believes the future remains rosy for Hampton & Richmond Borough, despite the Beavers losing out in the Blue Square South play-off final for the second successive season.
The man who appointed Fabio Capello as England boss before leaving Soho Square last year, was appointed to the Beveree’s board of directors on Monday in a major coup for the Station Road club.
Boss Alan Devonshire’s men crashed 3-2 to Hayes & Yeading in the play-offs last month to spend another season in Blue Square South, despite finishing a close second to champions AFC Wimbledon.
But Barwick, a long-time follower of the Beavers’ fortunes, insists the club has the capacity to move forward and is confident of playing a part in Hampton’s continued success.
“I am delighted to join the board of Hampton & Richmond Borough and hope for a long and successful association with the club,” he said.
“I have enjoyed watching the team play over the past few seasons - having lived in the area for nearly 30 years - and hope I can help the club continue its progress on and off the field.
“I think the club is a real part of the community and, as attendances proved towards the end of the season, plenty of people share my view.
“The work Alan Devonshire has put in is really paying dividends whilst under the chairmanship of Steve McPherson the club has a positive future.”
Barwick names stints as head of sport at the BBC and controller of sport with ITV on his CV and McPherson reckons his experience can only help the club in the long term.
“All at the club are delighted to welcome Brian on to the board,” he added.
“He has been a regular supporter of the club and we look forward to benefiting from his vast experience over the coming seasons.”
Hampton will be joined in Blue Square South next season by Dover Athletic, Lewes, Woking, Weymouth and Staines Town after the FA finally rubberstamped promotion and relegation to the division this week.
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