BRIDGWATER Town Football Club chairman Adrian Byrne has announced his decision to step down after more than four years in the role, as the club moves towards becoming a limited company.

Former AFC Bournemouth owner Adam Murry has recently become involved behind the scenes at Bridgwater, and Byrne believes that "the club is on the cusp of a new and exciting era".

In a statement addressed to Bridgwater supporters, Byrne said: "In recent days myself and my fellow members of the Executive Committee have voted unanimously on a resolution to make the club a limited company.

"This decision is undoubtedly for the future benefit of the club, both on and off the field, and the relevant paperwork has now been sent to Companies House.

"Once ‘Bridgwater Town Football Club Limited’ is ratified, a new Board of Directors will then be elected, with a new position of chairman of the board of directors.

"After honest reflection of my own professional and personal circumstances and the new level of commitment that the limited company will entail, I have decided now is the right time to stand down as chairman of this football club.

"I very much hope to remain on the Executive Committee of the football club, to continue to work in the best interests of the club, and will be happy to act as an officer of the club in the future, in whatever capacity is deemed fitting.

"I have great affection, not only for the football club, but also for the people and the town of Bridgwater.

"I am sure your football club is on the cusp of a new and exciting era.

"I will continue to work as hard as I can to support the new directors as they continue the journey of improving our football club further, building on the good work of the many people who have gone before, to make the club something our loyal fans can all be truly proud of.

"It has been a huge personal honour to have been chairman of Bridgwater Town Football Club over the last four-and-a-half years.

"I am happy and proud that I played a small part in the history of this club.

"I hope that my tenure will be viewed positively by the majority.

"Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in so many ways during my tenure as club chairman, and for all the good wishes I have received in that time."

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MEANWHILE, the Toolstation Western League has announced that it will not restart until December 18, following the unveiling of the new Covid-19 tier system across England.

Most areas of South West England are in tier two, including the Mendip and Somerset West & Taunton districts - which are home to Western League teams Bishops Lydeard, Bridgwater Town, Shepton Mallet, Street, Wellington and Wells.

However, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are in the highest alert category of tier three, with people advised not to travel to and from tier three areas, and there are several Western League teams in those districts.

Today's Western League statement said: "After reviewing the current new tier system and advice from the FA, the Toolstation Western League board has made the decision to postpone all league fixtures up until December 18.

"Further information will be released in due course.

"Currently the FA Vase fixtures [due to resume on December 5] remain active."