Raith Rovers will operate without a chairman following the announcement that Dave Somerville has formally relinquished the role.
Somerville had been on an extended leave of absence stretching back to the end of last season something he had told The Courier was a “wee break … to recharge the batteries” (link) but it has now been confirmed he will in future be working as an ambassador with responsibility for finding new financial investment for the Kirkcaldy club.
Despite his having also resigned from the boardroom, there will be no move to add to the numbers of directors.
A statement issued by the Stark’s Park board (link) said, “We are not, at this moment, appointing either a chairman or a new board member to replace Dave.
“The structure we have operated since Dave took his break will continue, with the directors taking collective responsibility for the club activities, albeit with individual areas of responsibility.
“The board will continue to work with Dave and others to ensure the future of the club in these difficult economic times.”
There was praise for Somerville’s contribution but also a hint at the pressure felt by those left to steer the ship over the summer.
The statement added: “The board wishes to acknowledge Dave’s endeavours over the past five years as director and then chairman, and fervently hope that he succeeds in his new role.
“Dave has worked tirelessly over the past five years as chairman, during which time the club has progressed from Division Two to the runners-up position in Division One. We also reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after an absence of nearly 50 years.
“However, the chairman’s role at a club like ours becomes a seven-days-a-week job that eventually becomes unsustainable.Challenging”We therefore understood the reasons for Dave’s absence over the summer, albeit that the absence of the chairman during a particularly challenging close season made for a testing time for the remaining board members. We are pleased that Dave has identified an important role going forward that, hopefully, will benefit the club.”
Rovers fans added their own thanks to Somerville for his contribution to the cause.
Raith Supporters’ Trust chairman Alan Russell said: “(We) would like to express our personal thanks to Dave Somerville for what he achieved in his time as chairman. Dave was dedicated to Raith Rovers and his commitment and hard work was second to none.
“He recognised the important role of fans and worked constructively with the trust and the fans’ director in his time as chairman.
“This is a challenging financial time for all football clubs. The trust will continue to work closely with the remaining board members to help ensure that Raith Rovers has a healthy future as a true community club living within its means.”
The outgoing chairman himself believes his summer sabbatical allowed him to focus on the wider picture at Raith.
“When I took a break, it gave me the time to reflect on some of the bigger issues the club currently faces,” said Somerville. “There is no doubt that over the last few years the complete infrastructure has been rebuilt and this has done much to support and underpin the excellent progress on the playing side by manager John McGlynn, his staff and the team.
“However, it is important to remember that the role of others has been equally significant in ensuring the success we have enjoyed all staff, volunteers, supporters groups, sponsors, shareholders and the wider support have made a major contribution. There is still much to do.”
On his ambassadorial role, Somerville added: “Given the fact that I have not been involved since May, I have decided that the time is right for me to attempt a complete change of role and I will now act as an ‘ambassador’ for the club with the objective of securing new, long-term and sustainable investment.
“This will be crucially important going forward in terms of stability and should, if successful, ensure an enhanced base from which to progress.”