FOOTBALL - Knowle chairman Saunders resigns from role with club top of table - The Solihull Observer
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FOOTBALL - Knowle chairman Saunders resigns from role with club top of table

Aaron Sutcliffe 9th Oct, 2024 Updated: 11th Oct, 2024   0

KNOWLE have accepted the resignation of chairman Darryl Saunders despite the club sitting top of the Midland Football League Division Two table.

Saunders only took on the role in February earlier this year and laid out ambitions plans to take the Robins up the divisions.

However, citing ‘insurmountable differences’ between himself and other members at the club, Saunders has resigned from his role as chairman.

Saunders posted on X: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as chairman of Knowle FC, a decision driven by insurmountable differences between myself and certain members of the club.

“Throughout my tenure, I have always believed that proper communication is key to achieving success.

“Unfortunately, it has become clear that differing perspectives have overshadowed constructive dialogue, leading to a situation where due lack of face-to-face conversation, personal opinions then carry more weight than the collective vision of the club or committee.




“This has been disappointing, especially when there are so many dedicated individuals who genuinely care about the future of Knowle FC.

“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have served in this role and to have been part of a community united by a shared passion for football.


“However, my outside interests, work commitments and personal lifestyle are integral to who I am, and I cannot compromise on those aspects without losing my authenticity.

“It is essential for any organisation to embrace diverse viewpoints, and I hope that Knowle FC can move forward with an open mind and heart.

“Thank you for the memories and experiences I will carry with me.”

Knowle confirmed they have accepted Saunders’ resignation via a statement and hope to appoint his successor in due course.

The statement reads: “Knowle Football Club has accepted the resignation of Darryl Saunders as club chairman.

“Darryl stepped away from all club-related duties over the weekend and has handed his previous responsibilities to the remaining committee members.

“Darryl injected much vision, passion and energy into our club since he was appointed as chairman eight months ago.

“We would like to publicly thank him for all his hard work and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

“The committee will now take time to reflect and consider options and there will be further announcements in due course.”

Saunders has since become joint-chairman of AFC Birmingham who play one level below the Robins in MFL Division Three.

On the pitch, Knowle thrashed Lane Head 7-0 to sit two points clear at the top of the MFL Division Two table.

Odane Barnes scored a hat-trick with further goals from Brandon Hague, Tom Craine, Zak Parsons and Callum Burston-Keeley at the Draintech Community Ground.

Knowle are next in action against Bolehall Swifts on Saturday, October 12 with kick-off at 3pm at Rene Road.