Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League

THE Spennymoor Sunday League has paid a glowing tribute to stalwart Brian Boughen, who has decided to retire from the league after 14 years' sterling service.

Boughen first joined the league as Secretary of the Crown in Spennymoor in 1988.

He joined the League Committee just one year later after taking over the Secretary's role from Andrew Kay in '89.

He stayed in that post for 11 years, during which time he salvaged the league from almost going bust to the 26-team strong, affluent league it is today - arguably one of, if not the most successful Sunday morning leagues in the region.

Boughen, who has also been Secretary of Unibond Premier Division side Spennymoor United for six years, then took over the Treasurer's role in 2000, but has finally decided to retire from the league.

The league's current Secretary, Mike Hill, said: "Brian has certainly done more than anyone to put the league in the position it is today, including our on-going relationship with Spennymoor United.

"He will certainly take a lot of replacing and I would like to record, on behalf of every league member, our thanks for his efforts over the last 14 years."

Looking back on his first appointment in 1989, Boughen said: "I felt I could improve the way the league was being run, because at that particular time the league had £800 in the bank and was rapidly losing cash on a weekly basis.

"Since then I'd like to think the league has improved with every year. We have now reached the point where we have more than enough cash in the bank - we even now have savings and a number of shares to fall back on for a rainy day!

"The league has never been in a better position, and that is why - to my knowledge - we are the only league in the land that pays its clubs' affiliation fees without re-claiming it back from them - that is something I am particularly proud of.

"In the late 80s we were asking teams to join this league. It certainly tells a story that we are now turning them away, every year, without fail."

The 57-year-old admits it will be hard to take a back seat. "I will still attend most meetings," he said. "And I'll probably still keep an eye on things! But I just felt it was time for me to step back and concentrate more on my duties with Spennymoor United."

* Gary Livett has been appointed Boughen's replacement as Treasurer of the Spennymoor Sunday League.