THE HOME OF THE SPARKS
REIGATE'S PREMIER FOOTBALL CLUB
Ricky pictured with Ross Stepney at our
25/26 end of season awards.
STATEMENT: SOUTH PARK REIGATE FC CHAIRMAN BECOMES PRESIDENT
"After a lot of thought and having had some time to reflect, I’ve made the very difficult decision to step down as Chairman of South Park Reigate FC.
It has been a wonderful journey over the years, filled with some truly amazing moments, memories and achievements, as well as some difficult moments and challenges along the way. Through it all, I’ve been incredibly proud to be part of this club and to have played my part in helping it grow.
It is important to name some people and review how that journey commenced. In 2003 following an initial phone call to me from Keith Hammond, that led to a meeting at the old clubhouse with Colin Puplett, Steve Robb and Tom Smith, those people persuaded me to take up the challenge of getting the club into Senior football in the non-league Pyramid.
At that time, we were playing in the Crawley & District League, it was some challenge with basically a youth team and some very young players. The fantastic facility we now have at the bottom of the ground was just a field!
After 2 seasons in that league, we managed to get promoted to the Senior level via the Combined Counties League Division One, playing home games at Cranleigh initially whilst we developed the bottom field via grants to build the changing room block and floodlights. That journey to Cranleigh for a season for every home game, carrying tea urns and food and then setting up the nets was a mission in itself.
After a couple of seasons holding our own in that league and now playing on our own ground, I vacated the Managers role to allow Joe McElligott (who was my assistant) and Malcolm Porter to pick up the baton whilst I moved to Director of Football. Joe and Malcolm between them did a fantastic job and got us two promotions over the coming seasons to secure our status at step 4, where we reside today. My move up to Chairman followed in 2017 when our club legend and dear friend Colin Puplett stepped up to President before he sadly passed away in 2024.
This decision hasn’t been easy however. Having the time to reflect has made me realise just how much the club means to me, and that’s what made the decision even harder.
I’m proud to be leaving the club in a good place, and I wish everyone involved every success for the future. I hope the club continues to go from strength to strength and remains a fantastic place for children, families, coaches and volunteers.
Along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some amazing people and make some great friends friendships that I hope will last for many years to come.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time as Chairman the directors, coaches, volunteers, parents, players and everyone who has contributed to the club in any way.
Once a part of the club, always a part of the club. While I’ll be stepping away from the day-to-day decision making, I’m delighted to have been invited and to have accepted the position of President of South Park Reigate FC. So, hopefully, you’ll still see me around the club.
Finally, one last but important point to mention is the continued support I have had in my football career from my wife of 50 years, Julia.
It is with more than a tinge of pride when I reflect back on following in the footsteps of her beloved Grandad, Arthur Bettsworth, who helped re start South Park Football club directly after the second world war. Indeed, we have a team photograph in our boardroom of Arthur alongside his team at that very time. That makes me feel very happy, proud and content.
Thank-you once again,
Ricky"
On behalf of the Board of Directors, fellow Director and long-term friend, Joe McElligott, has made the following statement;
"For more than twenty years Ricky has been instrumental in guiding South Park Reigate FC from the grass roots Crawley and District League to the Step 4 of the Football National League System where the club compete today. The journey started back in 2006 when we joined Combined Counties League Division 1. A key milestone for the club. Ricky had campaigned successfully with others to get accepted into the league and start our subsequent national league system journey.
That journey as Ricky attests has been filled with many great memories. As Ricky passes the Chairmanship over, he also passes a history of influential achievement. As another chapter closes on Ricky’s 50 plus years in non-league football a new one opens. As President Ricky will help guide the new Chairman and all associated directors and members on the next chapter for the club in the National League System. Ricky remains a highly respected person within the club, the Surrey FA, and the National League System."
- Neil Morris (Press Officer)