YEOVIL Town Ladies have announced the appointment of new chairman Gary Dawkins after incumbent Steve Allinson stepped down due to personal reasons.

Dawkins is the managing director of main sponsors Fusion Fostering and takes over with immediate effect from Allinson, who has been chairman since 2014.

Fusion Fostering is a small independent agency which helps support children and foster families and their connection with Yeovil Town Ladies Football Club has already gone from strength to strength since the start of the Women’s Super League Season.

Dawkins believes this was a natural move for him and is excited for the future of the club.

He said: “I am honoured to have been appointed chairman of this great football club. I cannot thank Steve and the board enough for their support in making this transition a smooth one.

“The club has been on an immense journey over the past few years and that is thanks to Steve and his undeniable commitment to Yeovil Town Ladies. I will be looking to carry this on as we look to progress as a full-time professional club.

“The staff and board are working tirelessly behind-the-scenes. Lee and the players are looking forward to the next few matches which will no doubt define our season.”

Allinson has decided to step down due to personal reasons but has placed on record his thanks to staff, players and board members and said he is leaving the club in ‘excellent hands’.

He added: “I have had the most incredible four years and have seen us promoted to WSL1, as well as move to full-time professional football.

“This is more than I could ever have imagined we could have achieved and it is with a heavy heart I hand over the reins to Gary. However, I know that now is the right time for both myself and the club to make this change, and I am absolutely certain that Gary will bring great leadership as a new chapter for the club starts to be written.”

“I would like to thank the board, staff, players, management and fans for their support over the past few years and wish them all the success in the world as they seek to defy the odds again.

“The club is leading the way for women’s football in the south west and I am confident that they will succeed in the Women’s Super League this season. I will continue to be the Lady Glovers’ biggest fan from the side-lines.”