FAREWELL: Richard Hopwood Leaves Stones

WEALDSTONE FC is sad to announce Richard Hopwood has stepped down as his role as Chief Operating Officer to take a break before for other opportunities.

Richard advised us of this decision more than a month ago and leaves the club at the end of today, Tuesday June 30.

Chairman Rory Fitzgerald said of his contribution to the Stones: "Richard has played a major part in the club's growth over his time with us - not least in the areas of our Academy, managing the ever-growing crowds at The Vale and being a leading custodian for the fantastic relationship we have with Brunel University."

The club's Academy now operates across three sites in Harrow and Hillingdon with over 150 participants. Alongside this, Richard played a pivotal role in getting the newly-formed women’s team off the ground; setting the foundations for a promotion-winning campaign in their maiden season.

"The fact we've been able to accommodate record crowds at The Vale is testament to the care Richard's showed around improving matchday possibilities for the club," added Fitzgerald.

"We had 4,000 supporters here for the Marine semi-final back in March, and that's in no small part down to our matchday operations, policies & procedures he's put in place behind the scenes."

Richard has supported the club's Board in delivering across very many areas during his time with us and he will be greatly missed.

He leaves as a friend of the club and we hope to see him enjoying a few games at The Vale in the near future.

The club is not actively recruiting for a direct replacement for Richard, given the ongoing CEO recruitment process, while various options are being explored to cover other gaps left by Richard’s departure.