THERE has been a change at the top of Sydenhams Wessex One outfit Folland Sports.

Following the resignation of chairman Adrian Stremmel, who has stepped down for business reasons, former vice-chairman Roy Kingdon has taken on the job of piloting the Planemakers.

Previously chairman of AFC Stoneham during their Hampshire Premier League days, Kingdon has his sights set on securing the Follands' future as a Wessex League club.

It’s been a depressing couple of years for the Planemakers, who lost their Sydenhams Premier status last season.

Relegation came against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the club’s future with landlords GE Aviation at one stage looking to sell the sports and social club site in Kings Avenue, Hamble.

But things appear far rosier now. There are new club officials and sponsors on board and new chairman Kingdon sees steady progress on the pitch under the management of ex-Fareham Town skipper and Gosport Borough under-18s boss Bjay Green and his assistant Richard Elmes.

Follands still have much work to do to escape the lower reaches of Sydenham One, but the new chairman believes the tide is slowly turning for a club that managed an all-time high of third in the Wessex Premier as recently as 2013/14.

He said: “Results are still negative, but we’re only losing by the odd goal now.

“We lost 2-1 to (top-of-the-table) Hamble Club in a thriller over Christmas and we’re confident we can get a good result at home to New Milton on Saturday (3pm).

"I think we've got a side now that can push on in the new year and start to climb the table."

On his new role as chairman, Kingdon, who runs his own building company, added: “I’m delighted to be taking control of a club that is a true sleeping giant of non-League football.

“When one thinks of what this club has achieved in the last few decades, it is very sad to see us languishing in Division One.

“I am determined to work with the playing staff to secure our league status and then look forward to the closed season to plan ahead.

“Off the pitch we are in a good financial shape. We have a dedicated board, a great stadium and pitch, with good match-day food and hospitality.

“We are also meeting our landlords early in the new year to discuss the lease on the ground, which we are confident will be extended.

“Like all organisations going through tough times, we must all grab an oar and start rowing. Nothing great is ever easy. It takes a long time to turn things around.

"It was a shambles when I came to the club in July and we're pleased to have said goodbye to 2016.

"We're all looking forward to 2017."