Scholars legend Mick Joiner's new role after 55 years

Joiner has decided to step down as chairman of the Scholars, but won’t be ending his 55-year association with the club after accepting the role of honorary president.

During his stay he has been the driving force behind the club’s rise from the Staffs County League and into the semi-professional ranks with the highlight of that journey undoubtedly when the Scholars hosted Championship outfit Cardiff City in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2008.

Joiner, 77, admitted the decision, which he announced at the club’s EGM on Wednesday night, was one he had been pondering for a while.

“It’s been on the anvil for six months or so, to be honest,” he said.“I am getting close to 80 years old and to drive the club further forward I feel having younger people driving it on a daily basis would be more of an advantage for the club.

“To run a football club there is an awful lot of pressure on you, no two ways about it. I have done it for 55 years with Chasetown and you do need an injection of new thought and fresh ideas. I’m not going away, I’m taking the president’s role and it is an honour to do that.”

Chasetown will now be run by a new board, headed up by main club sponsor Steve Jones as chairman with fellow directors Richard Lamb, chief executive, Andrew Cox, general manager, John Franklin, secretary, and Fred Butler, finance director.

Joiner can be immensely proud of the part he has played in Chasetown’s progress. Under his guidance they moved from playing on a park pitch at Burntwood Recreation Centre to having their own ground in Church Street.

Success on the pitch brought promotions all the way up to step three of the non-league pyramid and those two memorable FA Cup runs to the first round in 2005/06 and third in 2007/08.

“If someone had told me 40 years ago that on this piece of ground that was owned by Staffordshire County Council’s roads and highways division, would one day stage a match that was live on Match of The Day with 3.2millon people watching, you could never dream that one,” added Joiner.

“I look back with admiration at all the help I have had and what the club has done over the last 55 years. When I started with the club and you look at where we are now, it’s massive.

“Out of those 55 years we probably had five or six that were absolutely electric, and I mean electric because they sent a shudder through your body.

“It’s been enjoyable, it’s been frustrating and it’s been really worrying at times. But it’s all been well worth it. I hope there are more enjoyable times ahead and I’m looking forward to the next two or three seasons to see what we can achieve.”