Mick Gibson is stepping aside as chairman of Heybridge Swifts Football Club, after 15 successful years at the helm.

Gibson took over the role from Quiff Gill shortly before his death and has steered the club from the Essex Senior League through the lower divisions of the Isthmian League and into the higher echelons of non league football.

The period has seen the club enjoy major success in cup competitions, with a quarter final place in the F.A. Trophy and two F.A. Cup first round matches being among the highlights.

Mick has been instrumental in turning the ground from a pitch with a rope around it and a small stand into a fully terraced stadium with an impressive major stand and covered terracing that is the envy of the senior clubs in the area.

In recent years he has stepped up to hold a committee position on the league which is a great honour for him and the club.

Mick has now decided that this is the time to step aside and let someone else continue the good work.

Subject to confirmation at the club's AGM on Wednesday, June 30, Andy Barber will take over as chairman.

Barber has been involved with the club for many years and his family have strong links with the club going back many, many more.

Andy has an enthusiasm and love for Heybridge Swifts and the game, and is the ideal candidate to take the club into the millennium.

Mick Gibson will take on the post of vice-chairman to guide Andy through his introduction to the difficult job he has ahead.

Mick has been re-elected to the management committee of the Ryman League and will promote Heybridge Swifts best interest throughout the league and non-league football.

Heybridge had been drawn at home to Harrow Borough in the second round of the Ryman League Cup for the 1999/2000 season.

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