Gloucester City co-owners Alex Petheram and Eamonn McGurk step back as new board appointed for the 2024/25 season

Following a disastrous campaign this season with relegation to the seventh tier, Gloucester City have announced a new board for next season with co-owners Alex Petheram and Eamonn McGurk taking a step back.

Colin Taylor will take on the role as chairman with Jay Marriott becoming the vice-chairman of the Tigers. Previously the two had been involved in the board of directors which was put in place in December.

Alex Petheram and the club issued a statement on Thursday morning, with new chairman Taylor giving his first thoughts on his appointment.

“It’s an honour to accept the role of chairman and the confidence that ownership have in our boards vision moving forward. In order for us to become successful on and off the pitch it will take a collective much bigger than myself and I’m looking forward to a collaboration of staff, volunteers, players and most importantly you the fans. I don’t take this stewardship lightly and our board intend to give their all," he said.

Taylor’s role will entail the focus on internal matters with structures, roles and responsibilities, while Marriott will be working externally on media, communications and partnerships.

The board will be rounded out by successful businessmen Richard Lewis and Chris Freeman, with Freeman’s focus being on building relationships with the Supporters Trust and T-End Originals.

Co-owner Petheram began a statement which explains the difficulties of this season. “When I was asked to write this note wrapping up the 2023/24 season and introducing the chairman, at first, I declined, he said.

"I didn’t think I earned the right, as frankly this season I’ve not been around. I didn’t go to any away games at all and only managed around five home games."

Petheram then went into the appointment of previous Gloucester boss Tim Flowers in which he labelled it as a ‘mistake’ and a ‘mistake that meant relegation’.

Petheram also spoke on the short tenure of the Chambers ownership: “The former chairman (Patrick Chambers) left the club in December 2023 and the club was in a lot of trouble on and off the pitch. The club had legal and contractual disputes with the exiting management teams. Following support from our legal team, the ombudsman, the league and FA, these issues are now very nearly resolved. This will allow the new 2024/25 season to start afresh.”

Petheram made it clear that stories revolving around the ‘debt’ when he departed at the end of the 22/23 season is unreviewable. Stating the club has always been used for the ‘benefit of the city, the community and the Youth’.

Formerly a part of the ‘board of directors’, Colin (Taylor) and Richard Lewis will see a new board come in for the 2024/25 season in which Petheram stated himself and Eamonn McGurk ‘will not be on’.

Petheram detailed Taylor’s involvement with the club in previous years and how he’s the right fit for the club in this difficult time.

“Colin has been around the club since our return to Meadow Park and is a great bloke! I first met him when he volunteered to coach within the youth. Without Colin and Rich, this season would have been even worse.”

Petheram ended the statement with an emotionally written goodbye: “My message to Colin is simple, love the club and it will love your back. Thanks for the memories, I’m signing out for the final time with a tear in my eye, as man this club is close to my heart.”

The new board made it clear they had the full backing of Gloucester manager Mike Cook and his coaching team.

Cook spoke to Gloucestershire Live on Tuesday night: “We’ve worked really well together so far. As you can see, we need to make changes. I’m sure we’ll have a successful season next year.”

The board are making sure sustainability is their main focus with the future of the club being their youth, whilst Chris Hill and his staff have expanded the women’s and girl’s teams this year in which they have some exciting news coming soon.

The statement ended with this new look board looking ahead to a rebuild next season.

“With much to do over the close season, we are looking forward to sharing news with you on the club structure, roles, further partnerships and sponsorships.

“The unwavering support from our fans has been truly remarkable, and we’ll need your continued support as we strive to bounce back.”