PHIL Woollias was voted in as Thackley’s new chairman at their annual meeting this week at Dennyfield.

He replaces long-serving figurehead Mike Smith, who has become club president.

Woollias said: “Mike has done a fantastic job for the club down the years but he is not in the best of health and wanted to step down for personal reasons. I was already the chairman of Thackley Juniors and because we want the two clubs to work very closely together, it seemed the right way to go so the committee voted me in.”

The appointment is part of the changing of the guard as Mark Holstead begins his new role as club secretary, taking over from the retiring Mick Lodge.

Woollias and Holstead aim to bring a fresh approach and renewed vigour.

Woollias said: “Mark and I will be pushing the club and working hard behind the scenes to ensure that it moves forward. I have worked closely with Mark with the juniors and we are now together at the forefront of the senior side as well.

“I’m sure there will be more news before the beginning of the season.

Former Bradford City player of the year Luke O'Brien has joined Thackley and was set to make his debut against Kendal Town, today.