Hastings United are proud to announce a trio of appointments at the football club with Craig Barrow and Ross Shewry-Maryan joining the Board of Directors and David Ormerod re-joining as Club President.
Craig Barrow most recently has been a driving force in Hastings United Academy, overseeing the business aspects of the club. Craig, with his business connections in the town steps up to the board and will continue to be a connection to the academy especially in the transition of the academy coming in house. Craig has consistently been a huge supporter of the football club with his business CB Electrical Contractors and we are delighted he has accepted our offer.
Craig Barrow said, “It’s an absolute honour to be joining the board at Hastings United. The club has a really good energy around it at present and has made some really positive steps both on and off the pitch in the last year. I’m excited to be working closely with the club and the academy, assisting in driving the club forward and feel very proud to be part of it’s future."
Ross Shewry-Maryan joins with a host of experience with 15 years spent working with Sussex Schools FA, where he has been Chairman since May 2014. As a local deputy head teacher at St. Leonards CEP Academy, Ross will take up the role at the club as Head of Education and Welfare, being the link not only across our Academy but locally across schools, increasing our participation locally across our community.
Ross commented, “I am delighted to be joining Hastings United Football Club. As a lifelong supporter, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I’ve known Billy for over 25 years and I am excited to be working alongside him and the rest of the Hastings United board and staff. I can’t wait to get started and use my experiences as the Sussex Schools FA Chairman and my 20 years in education to help the club continue it’s progress."
Last but not least, a very popular character at the ‘U’s returns to the club in the shape of David Ormerod to take the role of Club President. Whilst David will not join the Board of Directors, his knowledge, enthusiasm and love for the football club will be in full effect as he will continually work with the club in a host of areas. David alongside Daren Burney and Peter Sherlock took over the club in 2015, with David taking on the Chairman role. Whilst taken the role of Club President, David will not being rejoining as Director.
David added, “As most of you will be aware I stood down from my position as both Director and of Club President. Since I have continued to be a supporter both home and away as well as assisting the club with some book work. Both Billy Wood and Daren Burney approached me to consider taking the role of Club President, which I am delighted to say I have accepted. I have been involved in the club since 1968 in various position, except from an eight year break and was delighted to return in 2015 to purchase the club alongside Daren and Peter Sherlock. It was disappointing we couldn’t at no fault of our own get the promotion we deserved this season, but I feel very confident both on and off the pitch and believe we will achieve it next season.”
Billy Wood, CEO commented on the trio of appointments. “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome both Craig and Ross to the Board of Directors and I am confident that alongside Pat, Hayley, Jo and I that we have a motivated, committed and well rounded team. Craig has been involved in the club for an incredible amount of time and his work in the academy coupled with his experience and commitment to the club made him an obvious addition. Ross will be a new face to many, but a man of principals and respect, a family man who also holds the same believes and passions that are the heartbeat of the culture of Hastings United in 2020. His experience will be a huge asset to the club in all age groups and with our determination to reach the community even deeper than we have, Ross is the perfect addition. Lastly but certainly not least, David accepting the role of Club President is a real joyful moment for me. Whilst I was incredibly upset David decided to leave in September last year, he has been an asset and a positive supporter of what we are doing here at the club. David is a gentle and caring man, who has Hastings United at his heart. To welcome him back is both an honour and a privilege, I am delighted he will be with us in an official capacity as we look to drive this club onwards and upwards.”
