ALVECHURCH are set to begin the search for a new chairman after Pete Eacock stepped down yesterday Eacock officially quit the role on New Year’s Day after eight years at the helm of the Lye Meadow outfit.

While the board have to meet to decide the club’s next step, The Advertiser understands Richard Thorndike is favourite to step into Eacock’s shoes.

Eacock, 58, said: “I feel I have done my time at the club and it’s up to someone else to try and take the club forward.

“People don’t realise that the job takes over your life.

“I was rolling the pitch because I was the only person who knew how to use the equipment, I was going out to buy the burgers before a game, my partner and I measured out the pitch and marked it up in the summer.

“People don’t realise how much there is to do when you are chairman at a club like Alvechurch.

“If there were any problems you either got the blame or responsibility to sort it out and it becomes tiring.

“So I feel I have done my bit and it’s time to move on.”

Eacock began his involvement working as a youth team coach with Paul Oakes in 1998, in a gifted team which containted current Kidderminster Harriers keeper Danny Lewis.

After that he was involved at the club in a variety of positions, helping to coach the reserves and also joined the board but he became chairman when Michael Rowley left in 2004.

“We had a lot of good times at the club,” added the departing chairman.

“The loyalty of people like Callum Gittings, who stayed at Alvechurch even though Redditch United and Harriers wanted him was fantastic.

“He went in the end but you never forget loyalty like that.

“We had some great times when Peter Frain was at the club and I enjoyed working with characters such as Lee Shaw, Paul Oakes, Jamie McWilliams and Simon Redhead.”

Alvechurch have struggled in the Midland Alliance in the last few years but they have been boosted by their partnership with Birmingham City’s Community Youth Scheme, which has seen an influx of gifted young players under the stewardship of manager Dean Holtham. The deal works well as Alvechurch do not have to pay their young guns, although Eacock offered one word of caution.

He said: “Dean has brought in some very talented players, you can see Omari Sterling James playing in the Football League in a few years time.

“But my only worry is that if he walks away then the club will be left without a team.

“To be fair the results have been excellent and the partnership works in the club’s favour.”

He then joked: “My advice for a new chairman — don’t do it!”

Alvechurch are set to play Highate away tonight (7.45pm ko) after Christmas clashes against Causeway, Studley and Tividale were forced off because of the wet weather.