FORMER Solihull journalist Andy Walker has been appointed chairman of Earlswood Town.
The 39-year-old takes up the role ahead of the 2021/22 Midland Football League Division Two season and succeeds Keith Green who stepped down in May 2021.
Born and bred in Solihull, Walker is a media, communications and PR specialist who has worked across the sports industry for 18 years.
Since 2014, he has been the England men’s national football team’s senior communications manager and was recently a member of Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff at UEFA Euro 2020, his fourth major tournament in the role.
Prior to that, Walker was head of media and communications at Birmingham City having started his career as a sports journalist.
However, despite a prominent role covering international and national football, he has always been an enthusiast of the Midlands non-league scene which brought him to the attention of The Earls.
As a fledging sports writer, Walker enjoyed a spell as Solihull Borough’s programme editor and even returned to the club in its current guise of Solihull Moors as a voluntary consultant in 2015 to help aid their promotion to the National League.
As well as The Moors, in recent years his spare time has been spent watching the likes of Kidderminster Harriers, Bromsgrove Sporting, Alvechurch, Highgate United, Coleshill Town, Knowle and Hampton.
Now, when professional and family duties allow, that focus will solely shift to Earlswood.
“I would like to thank the committee of Earlswood Town for offering me this opportunity,” said Walker.
“From initial meetings, it’s clear that this club is fortunate to have an incredibly driven manager at the helm backed by a dedicated committee so I look forward to being a part of an exciting and progressive future.”
Manager Tom Reynolds added: “This appointment is an exciting time for the club. To have someone of Andy’s knowledge, experience and capabilities can only benefit us.”
