SCOTT Rickards has been appointed as chief executive of Tamworth FC – to complete a remarkable story of loyalty and dedication to the club.
Rickards, a childhood fan, has gone from the terraces to the boardroom during a 25-year association with The Lambs.
He has also played for the club, coached them, been assistant manager, caretaker boss and most recently, general manager.
Tamworth’s new owner Abdullah Ashraf announced the major appointment and Rickards said: “It’s been an amazing journey with Tamworth and to now be appointed chief executive is very humbling.
“I’m honoured to be handed the opportunity to drive this club forward. The new owners are very driven people and their vision and plans are really exciting, not only for me, but also for the fans.
“I’ve been really impressed by Abdullah and our new director Nathan Walter. Even before the takeover was completed we were having detailed discussions about their priorities and ambitions.
“It quickly became clear that we share the same passion to make things happen while also being fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
“These are exciting times. They are openly promising a new dawn for the club and I totally believe that together we can build a bright, shining future for the club that means so much to me.”
Club chairman Ashraf, who has bought the club through his successful US firm Dawn Group International, says it was those early discussions that convinced him that Rickards should take the top job.
He explained: “Scott has Tamworth’s DNA running right through his veins and I realised that the very first moment we started talking about the club.
“His story is all about dedication, service, loyalty and an abiding passion for this football club.
“What better man could we have in such a senior position? It’s a perfect fit for us.
“His knowledge of the club, the fans, the sponsors will make the transition of ownership smooth and seamless and his links with the local community will make sure there will be the warmest of welcomes for everyone down at The Lamb.”
Community is certainly a key issue for Rickards, who added: “I have always felt the community aspect was the missing piece here when it should be at the heart of our club.
“That’s why we will be working tirelessly to make sure that sense of community and belonging is felt within every section of this club and make people proud to be associated with what we are building here.”
Rickards is not the only new appointment at Tamworth as the new owners waste no time in changing the dynamic at The Lamb.
He explained: “The new owners have already implemented an immediate increase to our staffing levels which will be a huge help in achieving our goal of taking Tamworth to new heights.”
Archie Baynham has been promoted into the general manager’s role, Josh Beasley has been appointed to lead the Media and Communications team and Sophie Payne will become Hospitality Manager.
Julie Kempinski has joined the team as Office Manager, Finance Manager & Commercial Manager.
Robin Lamb has taken on a part-time position as Retail Manager and Rhian Dolman has been appointed to the newly-created position of Supporter Liaison Lead & Match Day Coordinator Lead.
