BRADFORD Dragons Basketball Club have announced changes to their boardroom structure, with the installation of a new chairperson and financial director.

The vacant chair's position came about when acting chairman Steven Valentine stepped down from the role.

Announcing his resignation, Valentine said: "My term of office has come to a close. I was only ever going to stay as acting chairman until the end of the season.

"The team have had a good year, both on and off the court. We made the play-offs in the nationals and we're in a good place for the start of the new season in September, having retained a core of excellent players.

"Last season's two Americans – Ricky Fetske and Marcus Gooding – are both returning and we're in the process of strengthening the squad.

"We are going to be the team that everyone else has to beat if they want to do well in the top flight of English basketball.

"I will still be very much involved as club secretary and I am very much looking forward to the Dragons winning more games, while also having more time to support all our junior squads."

Joanne Addie, the club's director of fundraising and sponsorship, steps up to the role of chairperson, alongside her existing responsibilities.

Having previously held roles at SportsAid Yorkshire and Humberside – with extensive practice in running a regional charity – she brings with her a wealth of experience, knowledge and connections to national governing bodies in sport.

Addie said: "I am delighted to be taking up the post of chairperson at the Bradford Dragons. Although I know there will be some challenges ahead of us, I am sure that the team we have in place can work well together and excel off the court."

Addie becomes the fourth holder of the chair in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, the club have also appointed Matthew Carter to the position of financial director.

Carter brings with him considerable experience of finance within charitable organisations, providing the club with additional expertise following the recent registration of the Bradford Dragons Community Foundation.

This foundation seeks to provide opportunities to the wider community through the delivery of various basketball-based initiatives, targeting all ages throughout Bradford and surrounding areas.