Guisborough Town Football Club can today announce that Andy Willis has stepped down from his position as Chairman before the new 2025/26 season gets under way.
He will be succeeded as Chairman with immediate effect by current Club Chief Executive Officer, Andy Bell. The pair thought it was appropriate to confirm the changes ahead of the start of the new season.
The ‘two Andy’s’ have expressed warm praise for each other in terms of what has been achieved for the Club over the roller-coaster of the past four years while Andy Willis has been at the helm.
Andy Willis has served the club with dedication, passion, and integrity. Since taking on the role in October 2021, his leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Club through both many challenges but plenty of successes along the way.
The Club extends its sincere thanks to Andy Willis for his outstanding commitment and the many contributions he has made during his tenure. In addition, the Club would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to Andy’s wife, Cathy, whose fantastic support has meant so much to both the Club and Andy throughout his time as Chairman.
The Club is pleased to share that Andy will continue to be involved in the Club through his various volunteering roles.
A Message from Andy Willis:
After much contemplation and reflection following the end of the last football season, I have made the decision to stand down from my position as Chairman before the commencement of the 2025/26 season.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving in this role, but the demands of the position, in addition to my day job and responsibilities with my junior team, leave me with little time for other things.
Looking back, I know the successes we achieved during my time with the Club was truly a team effort. I feel immensely proud of the strong foundation we’ve built together, especially navigating the challenges of the very difficult Covid era.
The board’s support, the dedication of our volunteers, and the unwavering enthusiasm of our supporters and sponsors makes it all possible. I’m especially grateful for the lasting friendships forged along the way.
A special mention must go to my long-suffering wife Cathy, who has warmly embraced the Club and everything that came with my role as Chairman.
I am delighted Andy Bell will be taking over as Chairman and would like to extend my best wishes to him as he embarks on this new journey. I have every confidence that he will excel in his new role.
Guisborough Town are especially delighted to confirm that Club CEO Andy Bell will take over as the new Chairman of Guisborough Town FC.
Already a director of the Club, Andy brings with him a wealth of experience, energy, and enthusiasm. The Club is highly confident he will build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor as Guisborough Town continues to grow and develop, both on and off the pitch. The Club warmly welcomes Andy Bell into his new role.
A Message from Andy Bell:
I am both honoured and humbled to accept the role of Chairman of Guisborough Town Football Club. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously, and it’s a genuine privilege to lead a club with such a proud history, deep community roots, and a passionate fan base.
I’d also like to give special thanks to my wife, Amy, whose unwavering support means the world to me — behind every good Chairman is a great wife!
Few people will be aware that my journey with Guisborough Town began when I was just six years old, attending my first match at the KGV — though I must admit, I can’t quite remember who we played that day!
As I grew older, and with my dad serving on the committee, I naturally became more involved. I started by helping with tasks like putting up and taking down the nets on match days, selling raffle tickets, and eventually moved on to roles such as building the club’s first website, editing the match-day programme, and selling copies at the ground.
Although I had to step away from the club at the age of 17 due to work commitments, the friendships I made stayed with me. I was fortunate to return in 2020, thanks to the encouragement of people like Andy Willis, Don Cowan, Keith Smeltzer, and Chris Wood.
Over the past three years, I’ve worked closely with Andy Willis in my role as CEO, which has given me a clear understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading this club. I would like to place on record my personal thanks to Andy for everything he has done for the club during his time and also especially for his friendship.
As Chairman, I’m committed to working tirelessly to support our footballing ambitions, strengthen our ties with the community, and ensure the long-term stability and growth of Guisborough Town — while hopefully making a few more friendships along the way.
This Club has always stood for more than just football — it represents pride, family, community, and people. I look forward to working alongside everyone involved as we build on the strong foundations already in place and move towards a bright and exciting future together.
