A new era has dawned at Ryman League club Wivenhoe Town after the club's board was given a major overhaul.

And the changes have convinced player-manager Julian Hazel to withdraw his transfer request.

After more than 20 years as club chairman, Dave Whymark has been replaced by Kevin Foskett who has invited co-boss Steve Pitt to become vice-chairman and Hazel to have a seat on the board as assistant director of football.

Whymark and Harry Welsh will remain with the club, but not at board level.

The new committee also incorporates representatives from the club's youth and social sections.

"I've surrounded myself with good people and they know what I expect," said Foskett.

"They represent all areas of the club and we will also be getting two members from the business world to help us out. We're not going to break the bank, the club's done that before, but we do think we can make a surplus long term."

Hazel added: "We're ambitious and want a better position than we did last season, but we're not going to win the league."

He said all bar Robbie May of last season's team had been training, and he hoped to sign three new players. The Dragons begin their pre-season fixtures on Saturday at home to Leyton Pennant.

The club will launch new youth initiatives, including work in local schools and giving members of their youth section free entry when accompanied by a paying adult.

The board is also set to announce a new four-figure sponsorship deal in the coming weeks which will boost their playing budget.

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