Universally known as ‘Bash’, Paul is a qualified accountant who worked in practice advising Sudbury businesses for many years before becoming Financial Controller for a successful local company. He is a regular Saturday afternoon supporter at home matches, as well as helping with one of our Under 14 teams, for whom his son plays, in a secretarial capacity.

Andrew Long comments “We are delighted that Bash has agreed to join us. He brings significant business experience, financial acumen and personal gravitas to the board in the club wide executive role of Club Secretary. We are confident that he will strengthen the board significantly once he becomes established and will become a cornerstone of our organisation’s future sustainability and development.”

In addition to this appointment, the club has appointed a team of Match Secretaries for each playing team to manage the match administration for each. Adrian Goodwin will take this role for the Women’s First Team whilst Chris Ruggles, Operations Director of Club Community Members, Lifestiles, will take over the role for the Men’s First Team. Members of the Academy staff will undertake the roles for the Youth Section, whilst Grassroots Managers and Assistant Managers will take up the role for each of their teams.

CEO Patrick Bell adds “The imminent departure of Jules Ankers as Club Secretary leaves a huge hole for the club, and filling it is a major challenge for us. However, the Board is very grateful to all those who have stepped up to take on this challenge and the responsibilities that entails. Thank you to Danny Laws for his work on this transition, to Suffolk FA who have been supportive and generous in advising Bash and his team, plus Jonathan Warnock and his brilliant staff at Sporting 87 who have offered us ongoing support though the process. It is going to be rocky at first, but this evolving team will work together to make it happen.”

Paul Basham concludes “I have loved supporting football in Sudbury for many years and feel honoured to have been asked to join the board having reached a point in my life where I hope that my experience and passion for the club can combine to make a useful contribution. We all know that Jules has been an exceptional Club Secretary and if can gain half her knowledge in the coming season, then I’ll be proud! Please bear with us as we all adjust to this new arrangement and settle in to drive forward the long-term future of the organisation.”