NEW chairman Richard Thorndike has unveiled ambitious plans to help Alvechurch look forward.

Thorndike was unanimously voted in as the new man at the helm after Pete Eacock stepped down from the role last week.

He has wasted little time in setting out the club’s new objectives.

Talks with landowners Crosslands Investments about extending the lease or buying the land Lye Meadow is on have already begun.

Currently, Alvechurch have eight years left on their current deal but would ideally like to own the site completely or have a 25-year lease.

The new man is hopeful nailing down a deal by the end of April.

Work has already started re-fitting the clubhouse which will be completed ahead of the centenary celebrations set for May.

Thorndike also is keen for work in the summer to improve the drainage of the Lye Meadow playing surface.

“I am excited to have become chairman of a club with such a rich history,” said Thorndike.

“We have three main objectives. “The first is to either extend the lease or purchase the land Lye Meadow is on and we’re working towards that.

“We’ve already started work on improving the clubhouse and will continue to do so, while the pitch is the other area of concern that needs to be worked on.”

Alvechurch hope to fund some of the improvements thanks to the extra revenue brought through sponsorship, the club now boasts 30 sponsors and advertisers since Thorndike joined the club in September.

Thorndike also owns Clarity Document Solutions, who have also sponsored the club.

He added: “There is a re-newed enthusiasm and energy around the club and we’re all working hard to move Alvechurch forward.”

The club will also celebrate their 100th anniversary in May with a sportsman’s dinner, where they hope to have club patron Alan Smith give a talk.

Meanwhile, manager Dean Holtham feels his team can finish as high as they want in the Midland Alliance.

Omari Sterling James bagged the winner as the Churchmen won 1-0 at Continental Star.

That win cemented their mid-table spot and they can leapfrog Saturday’s home opponents Boldmere St Michaels (3pm ko) with a victory.

Alvechurch then go to Hednesford in the next round of the Birmingham Senior Cup next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).