Exeter City Football Club has appointed Nick Hawker as chair of the club board, following the resignation of Richard Pym.

Richard, who is the grandson of Exeter City’s legendary goalkeeper Dick Pym, was appointed as chair in summer 2020 and had hoped to serve a maximum of two years, but stepped down from the position this month. Following Richard’s departure, Nick, who is also chair of the Supporter’s Trust, took over as chair of the Club Board. The appointment was made by the Supporter’s Trust.

Richard said: “When I joined the board as chairman, I had hoped to serve for a maximum of two years but when I looked at the requirements of the club over the next six months and compared it to my own time availability then I knew it was time to hand over.

“I joined the board because the club was supporter owned and it has been a privilege to serve a club my grandfather played for a century ago. I will offer my services in the future for volunteer help on projects and will continue my sponsorship of Exeter City Women; it has been fantastic to see them doing so well this season.”

Richard was presented with a signed shirt to thank him for his contribution to the club.

Nick said: “The Club Board would like to thank Richard for his hard work over the last 18 months, a period which, due to the impact of the pandemic, has been particularly challenging. He stepped in and steadied the ship and led the board with purpose and fortitude as we navigated the uncertain landscape.”

Nick, who was appointed as Trust secretary in 2012, was co-opted as a trustee in 2017 and elected as chair of the Supporters’ Trust in November 2017.

He added: “I'm delighted to have been appointed as chair of the club board. I'm also really pleased that Richard has agreed to 'stay in touch' and help the Trust. In January we will start reviewing how to increase our shareholding in the club. Since the share register was tidied earlier in the year our holding has increased to 57.25%, so we will now look to see how we can increase it still further. Something that Richard will be involved in.”