BRIDGWATER Town have announced that chairman Pat Parker has stepped down from his position for health reasons.

In a brief statement on their Facebook page, the club said: “On the January 15, Pat Parker stepped down from chairman due to health reasons.

“We have great pleasure in announcing Richard Johnson is now our Chairman - we also have a new secretary working within the club, Rick Norman, who has taken over from Roger Palmer.”

Club manager Richard Fey paid tribute to Pat Parker and praised his 'tireless work.” He said: “Pat is Bridgwater through and through and I've got a lot of time and respect for the man for the hours he has and does put into the club.

“People don't see what effort chairman put into their clubs and Pat has worked tirelessly for the club - and always had intentions of standing down come the end of this season.

“Unfortunately due to health reasons he has decided to make the decision now rather than wait, and that's typical Pat, thinking about what's best for the club.

“He was the chairman who gave me the opportunity to manage the club and I thank him for that - and I'm glad he is staying on as vice-chairman.