Huntingdon Town chairman Hans Reif is stepping down

POPULAR local businessman Hans Reif feels he has taken Huntingdon Town as far as he can after announcing he will step down as club chairman at the end of the season.

Reif, 45, who co-founded the club back in 1995, has opted to walk away after 15 years in the hot seat – but hopes exciting times lie ahead for the United Counties League Division One outfit.

He said: “There will be new investors and a new chairman coming on board.

“I can’t say who they are at the moment, but all will become clear within the next few weeks.

“The chairman who is coming in will bring with him a lot more investment and a lot of contacts - and is from Huntingdon.

“I’ve done my bit. I’ve taken the club as far as I can and, hopefully, it can now go on to the next level.”

The outgoing chairman will be remembered for overseeing the club’s move from a park pitch to the 32-acre site at Jubilee Park.

Town then entered the UCL six years ago, after rising through the Kershaw Cambs League, and Reif also oversaw the opening of the new �1 million clubhouse and changing room facilities.

“Securing the 99-year lease on Jubilee Park and overseeing the new facility was, without doubt, the highlight of it all really,” said Reif.

He also said he will be leaving the club fully come May, rather than taking a back seat.

“I think it’s best if you’ve got a new chairman coming on board, with new ideas, that the old chairman isn’t in the background still,” he said.

“I’m more than happy with that and I’ll still support the club.

“From what I understand, new board members will be coming in, but Russell Yezek (co-founder) is staying on as club secretary.

“It could be exciting times at Huntingdon Town and I’m sure it will be.”

But Reif hasn’t ruled out a return to the local football scene in the future, saying: “I’ve had 15 great years and I still feel I have a lot to offer football in the future.

“But I’m going to take a season or so out and see what happens.

“I’m sure I’ll still have that buzz and then, after that, see where we go from there.”