During Dunston UTS FC’s AGM, Malcolm James, Alan Stott and Frank Rankin formally announced their decisions, to their fellow Club Committee members, to step down from their roles as Club Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Club Treasurer respectively.

Following their announcements, The Club Committee voted unanimously to appoint both Billy Irwin and Tony Cleugh as Co-Chairman, with Ian Hodgson being appointed to the role of Club Treasurer.

During their time in Office, all three Men have overseen the club’s continual progress and success. They step down from their roles in full knowledge that Dunston UTS FC is in a solid position to continue it's progression forwards.

Outgoing Chairman Malcolm James spoke on his decision:

“I have been in office now for 27 years and I am approaching 75-years-old, the time has come for some fresh blood and younger people with new ideas to take the club forward. We do possess these people within our club. This has been evident over the last few years when the club has been driven forward by the enthusiasm and foresight of persons who have transformed this club in many ways”.

It has been refreshing to see the changes and progress within the UTS Stadium, both on and off the field, during this period of change and the way in these persons have addressed these tasks.

"There appears to be a new impetus within the club on the playing side and I know some people wish to take this momentum forward throughout the club. Change is needed. Whilst I wish to resign as Chairman of the club, I want to very much remain involved as a Management Committee member. Of course the club cannot progress without the willingness and participation of those involved and I would hope that everyone will continue to give their full unwavering support in future years, just as you have all supported myself, My sincere thanks to everyone past and present for the last 27 years".

 Alan Stott stated the following on his decision: 

“When we went into the Bay Horse at Whickham in the spring of 1975, to ask if we could start a football team I had no idea that 48 years later I would be making this statement, from the Heddon Homes Cup to the FA Vase, from Winlaton to Wembley, from the Northern Amateur League to the Northern Premier League, what a journey, what an achievement”.

“I have served this club, as a player, captain, assistant manager, manager, committee member and vice chairman, something that I am very proud of”.

 “The last word must go to the people past and present who have worked tirelessly as volunteers and as a team all pulling in the same direction to make this club what it is today, this is still the case today and long may it continue for the good of not only Dunston UTS FC but also the survival of Non- League Football.

 “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work alongside such dedicated people over the last 48 years, I thank you for your help, thank you for your dedication and thank you for your friendship.”

 “Finally I would like to wish the newly elected officers, existing officers, Committee members, Management team, players and supporters of Dunston UTS FC continuing success in the future”.

Frank Rankin - "I took on the role as treasurer for the second time, following the resignation of then Club Treasurer Cliff Starkey after our FA Vase winning season. I intended to fulfil the role for that season, 10 seasons later it is now time for me to step down. Having seen the club progress from The Northern League to The NPL, to a limited company last year, the role is now more demanding than ever. I feel I have fulfilled the position to the very best of my abilities and now wish to hand over the reigns".

On his appointment as Treasurer, Ian Hodgson commented:

“I have been associated with Dunston UTS FC since 1986, when the current ground was under development”.

“I have made many friends over the years at the club and Dunston in general as a result of this association, including Malcolm, Alan and Frank, who were very much actively part of the club at that time and before“.

“I can't praise them, and all of the committee, enough (past and present) for what they have achieved. I now look forward to being a part of this great club whilst standing on the shoulders of giants”.

The incoming Co-Chairman Tony Cleugh and  Billy Irwin commented:

Tony Cleugh

“It’s an honour to be selected as Co-Chairman of Dunston UTS Football Club. I would like to thank Malcolm James and Alan Stott for having the faith to put me forward for the role and all of the Committee for their support in helping this be secured”. 

“Billy and I will endeavour to continue to help the Club progress. A lot has been done in the last few years to improve facilities and there’s a real feeling that the club is going places. If we can be as half as successful as what Mal has been in his 27 years tenure I’d be more than happy!”

Billy Irwin 

“I’d like to thank Malcolm James, Alan Stott, Frank Rankin, John Thompson and Billy Montague, along with all those who have been part of The Club Committee, this club would not be where it is today without the outstanding service all three men have given to Dunston UTS FC”. 

“As a player, I gave everything, as a Manager I gave everything. As Club Co-Chairman, I will give everything, in order to push Dunston UTS FC forward and continue the outstanding progress we have made”.

“I am genuinely honoured and humbled to have been asked to step into the role. I am really looking forward to pushing this great Football Club on even further and I would like to thank Mal and the rest of The Club Committee for giving both Cleughy and I this opportunity”.

As the Club now looks ahead to the excitement of a new season, with a raft of new signings, a new Management team, major ground improvements and a change to the Committee, we encourage all supporters to firstly join in applauding the outstanding efforts of Mr Malcolm James, Mr Alan Stott and Mr Frank Rankin.

All three having served the club with distinction, they will forever be appreciated and respected by everyone involved with Dunston UTS FC.