SOCCER: Suffolk FA secretary Bill Steward is not seeking re-election at the May full council meeting. He is standing down after 16 years in the job although he plans to remain county delegate to the main Football Association.

By Elvin King

SUFFOLK FA secretary Bill Steward is not seeking re-election at the May full council meeting.

He is standing down after 16 years in the job although he plans to remain county delegate to the main Football Association.

Gordon Blake, who took over as county treasurer in 1980, is not continuing into next season and Steward is going to take over that role. Blake will remain County president.

"It is time a younger man with new ideas came in," said Steward today. "The secretary is voted in for three years and I did not want to go until May 2005.

"The work load has increased enormously since 1986 and I spend on average two days a week at FA headquarters in Soho Square, London."

The position is likely remain part time although neighbouring counties Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire all have full time secretaries.

Adverts have appeared in the local press but if no one comes forward with the necessary skills who wants to do the job part time, then a re-think to put Suffolk in line with other counties may take place.

"Our finances are now on computer and Gordon thought it time to hand over as treasurer," added Steward. "I plan to take this over so will still be heavily involved with the county.

"But I will not interfere with the new secretary and if someone is appointed next month say it gives us plenty of time to work together before the hand over."

Brian Thompson, who has been general secretary of the referees' committee for many years, is also not going to seek re-election – and an advert has also been placed to find his successor.