NORMAN Stacey has been encouraged by the interest in Ardley United since ending a 35-year stint as the club’s chairman.

The north Oxfordshire club were rocked last week by the news the 74-year-old would be stepping down.

Manager Paul Davis has also left the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division outfit, citing “personal reasons” for the decision.

Stacey will appoint a new chairman in order to ensure a “smooth and gentle takeover” and revealed there has been activity.

“One person has shown an interest, but I’ve not yet met him,” he said.

“We’ve had four applications since Paul Davis left, but I see it not as my job to appoint a manager but a chairman.”

Stacey added: “I made it plain that I would hold the new chairman’s hand to help him where we’re going.

“But he must get on with it, not me.”

During Stacey’s time at the club, Ardley have climbed from the Lord Jersey League up to the Hellenic League.

He ranks the Oxfordshire Senior Cup triumph in 2014 as the highlight.

And after a long tenure, Stacey’s decision to step down will leave a huge void.

He said: “It is with some regret that after 35 years as chairman I feel it is now the time given my approaching 75th birthday and some family health problems to call it a day.

“I set myself two goals – to win the Hellenic Premier League title and to lift the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.

“The second we achieved three years ago, but the Hellenic title has eluded me, coming second to Wantage Town (in 2013-14) by two points.”

Stacey added: “I took the club over in a good place and I will leave it in a good place.

“We had a little wooden hut 35 years ago and we’ve progressed to a grading ready for Southern League football.

“There are more little jobs than there is glory when you’re chairman.

“Between my wife, myself and my friend, we cleaned the changing rooms twice a week, sometimes three.

“We did the cooking to feed the players, washed the kit, entertained the officials and the opposition, so there’s loads to do.”

Stacey has also received countless messages since announcing the decision.

He said: “I’ve had literally hundreds of text messages and emails.

“I shall miss the football, that’s for sure.”

Davis, who was in the role for 18 months, led the club to fifth place last season as well as winning the Supplementary Cup.

He said: “It’s been a roller coaster of emotions during my tenure, but one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

“I would like to thank all the supporters, sponsors, players and staff, but most of all chairman Norman Stacey for the outstanding support he has shown me in my time at the club.

“Personal reasons dictate it is time for me to step down.

“But to finish the season in fifth place and to collect a trophy at the end of a long season are memories that I will never forget.”

Forward Leam Howards has rejoined Banbury United.