AN era has ended at Burnham United AFC with the retirement of club president Albert Laurence.

Albert has given the club 51 years’ service and has been heavily involved in all aspects of United life.

His hard work has secured much sponsorship money for the club, but his proudest achievement is the quarterly draw, which he has run for 22 years, raising just under £100,000.

Albert said: “Myself and then chairman Stuart Taylor started the draw, which I’ve continued to run until the last couple of weeks.

“Without the money it has raised I very much doubt Burnham United AFC would exist still.”
Albert still plans to attend Burnham first team matches when he regularly travels all over Somerset to support them.

Replacing him as president is Spencer Dibble, who has stepped down as chairman after 11 years.

Matt Counsell, new chairman, said: “How do you replace a guy like Albert?

“It’s a great honour to present him with a commemorative plate in recognition of everything he has done for Burnham United.

“He has done amazing things for this club, raising the amount of money he has, and his hard work will be very hard to replace.

“He’ll be sorely missed, but I’m glad he’s going to continue to watch the first team.”

Matt said it has been a busy few weeks for him and the committee at Burnham.

He said: “Many people have been working hard behind the scenes to move the club forward.

“We have a new constitution and have adopted many policies to help us continue to remain as an FA Chartered Standard Club.

“There has been a big push finding sponsors, and over the coming weeks I’ll be announcing who’s supporting the club for 2014-15 season.

“It will make a massive difference to the club and we’re so grateful.”