Mitchell has decided to step down after 25 years at the helm.
He took the role of chairman in 1996 when Rovers were playing in the Devon League on an open-sided orchard field where they had to regularly move livestock off the pitch to play!
In those days any talk of “pyramids” meant something in Egypt and a “big match” for Rovers was against Cullompton Rangers or Newton St Cyres
The club has evolved and developed significantly in those 25 years, as they slowly moved through the leagues, eventually winning promotion to the Western League Division One and then on to the Western Premier Division.
The club’s most recent success was in 2019 when they won promotion to the Southern League, and few will forget the final day of the season post-match celebrations after Rovers pipped Plymouth Parkway to the championship by a single point and the tears of pride and joy streaming down Mitchell’s face.
These promotions were won off the back of sound behind-the-scenes management and prudent financial dealings which were all masterminded by Mitchell.
Off the field, he has instigated a number of major infrastructure developments to improve the facilities they have at the stadium to what they are today: these projects include the re-development of the clubhouse, erection of purpose-built changing rooms, erection of two seated grandstands and areas of covered terrace, the improvement in the pitch perimeter and the improvement of the playing surface.
All these developments have been driven forward by Mike Mitchell to the point that Rovers now have a stadium which is the envy of all that visit.
Steady progress through the leagues and the ground upgrade works undertaken would not have been achieved without Mitchell guiding forward in a calm and professional manner.
He has selflessly dedicated many hours of his free time into managing and improving the club, so for that Willand Rovers will be eternally grateful.
Mitchell is certainly one of the most well-respected and gentle men of West Country football: wherever you go people from within the game talk fondly of him and always ask after him.
The club wish him well, although he will still be very much involved in the running of Willand Rovers, as he is stepping down to take on the role of vice vhairman - this will mean that the club will continue to benefit from his vast experience and knowledge.
In acknowledgement of Mitchell’s dedication and long service to the club Willand Rovers has made him and his wife Jenny ‘Honorary Life Members’ and presented them with a gift of a short break away.
Taking Mitchell’s place as chairman is Mike Hawkins, who was elected at the recent Annual General Meeting.
Hawkins was previously vice chairman.
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