St Neots Town have this morning appointed Barry Cavilla as their new chairman.

Cavilla, a well-known figure in the area, succeeds Lee Kearns as supremo at the Southern League Premier Division club.

Kearns, who stepped down from the role at the end of January, remains the majority owner of a club sitting 11th in the standings after a season of progress on the pitch.

Cavilla said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the St Neots football family, and to work alongside the community chairman, directors, football staff, volunteers and supporters who have made the club the success it is today.

“I hope with the support of the board, Matt (manager, Clements) and his ever improving team, and importantly the Saints supporters, we can continue the excellent work in developing and sustaining a good competitive level of football throughout the club.

“We also want to offer an excellent and improving community facility, and continue to be a leading light in local football, offering a friendly welcome for all to come and enjoy.”

Cavilla is a former St Neots Town goalkeeper, who has also had off-the-field involvement at the club. He had a successful spell managing Eynesbury Rovers in the 1990s and is also a long-standing member of Eaton Socon Cricket Club.

A statement on behalf of the St Neots Town board of directors confirmed: “We feel this is an exciting appointment as Barry is a well-respected individual both socially and in local footballing circles, having been involved with not just ourselves but also other local clubs in the past.

“As a board of directors, we look forward to working with Barry and our community chairman, Kevin Hull, and we hope to keep the club moving onwards and upwards.

“At the same time, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks and gratitude to outgoing chairman Lee Kearns for all his hard work in getting the club to its current position”