TONY Stares has been named as the new chairman of Gosport Borough following Mark Hook’s decision to stand down.

Stares, the club’s goalkeeper in the 1980s, will be looking to get Borough back on an even financial keel after a turbulent season that led to relegation from the National League South. He will continue as academy manager.

Brian Cosgrave has become a life vice-president in recognition of his 27 years as Gosport's general secretary. He has handed the secretarial reins to Mike Buxton, who has a wealth of experience with the Hampshire FA and Bournemouth Youth FA.

Hook had been chairman for eight years having stepped in as John Stimpson’s successor in 2009.

Explaining his departure, he said: "Gosport is a great community club. It is the community spirit and help that makes it what it is.

"I want to thank all my fellow directors, volunteers, helpers, football management teams and players for their tireless work over the past eight years which has made it such an enjoyable experience for me being the chairman.

"During that period there have been many enjoyable times and I am happy that the club have progressed both on and off the field.

"However, in the modern game, football is all about finances and we have struggled over the years to bring sufficient funding to maintain the level we were playing in.

"Every penny raised during my term of office went into the playing budget to give the fans the best possible team we could each year.

"Recently I have struggled trying to do the job, which has always been done on a voluntary basis.

"Dealing with football administrators, who do not appear to be helpful towards community clubs, has been very difficult and frustrating and I wish my successor well.

"I know the Southern League will be far more accommodating."