Dave Diaper has stepped down as chairman of Sholing to focus solely on his role as manager in what he expects to be a “transitional” period at the Silverlake Arena.

Diaper, whose tenure as chairman came to a natural end after two years at the Sydenhams Premier Division club’s AGM on Monday, will be replaced by Gerry Roberts, who moves up from vice-chairman.

Ex-assistant manager Mick Brown will now be vice-chairman.

While the BSA Regal director will remain in charge of football matters, he believes that Roberts will bring plenty of “new ideas” to the chairman role.

“Basically my time as chairman was complete,” said Diaper. “My tenure had come to an end after a two year period and I decided not to go for re-election.

“Because of work commitments and management responsibilities, it was a lot to take on, so I decided to step down and it feels like the right time.

“Gerry was very keen and has some of his own ideas, which is obviously what you want.

“Enthusiasm is key to the job and Gerry will bring that.”

The planned developments on Portsmouth Road, which have rumbled on for years with many twists and turns, are now off the table.

On top of that, with the former benefactors of the club, the VT Sports Group, having now made their final down payment, Sholing will now be completely self-funded.

It means that Roberts’s priority more than ever will be to secure sponsorship and lead the club through what is expected to be a transitional time.

Another man that is bringing plenty of enthusiasm to the Boatmen is Darren Burdle, who joins the coaching team.

Burdle worked under ex-Folland Sports boss Danny Bowers and helped take the Planemakers from a Sydenhams Division One outfit, to one thriving in the Wessex top-flight.

“Darren’s been great,” admitted Diaper. “He brings in enthusiasm and has been a breath of fresh air.”

Sholing have also announced that they have signed ex-VT and Brockenhurst striker Mike Spinney, who returns to football after two years out with a serious knee injury.

The 34-year-old joins the likes of goalkeeper Ryan Gosney, ex-Eastleigh youngster Jamie Bulpitt and forwards James Davis and Lewis Kelly on the Silverlake Arena summer arrivals list.

“It’s going to be a new version of the old Sholing,” Diaper explained. “We’ve still got some of the old guard from the Vase win but we’re going to be in transition.

“We have a three year plan in place, there’s still a high expectation – we want a top four finish next season – but our playing budget has been reduced.

“We wouldn’t go out and spend big money anyway, but we want to continue to bring youngsters through.”