Wealdstone chairman Howard Krais will step down at the end of the season

In nine years as Stones chairman Krais, a lifelong Wealdstone supporter, has overseen success' on and off the pitch including the club's move to Grosvenor Vale in 2008.

Promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division to the National League South has been the highlight on the field.

In the cups Stones reached the FA Cup first round this season, giving Colchester United a scare before being knocked out 6-2, while reaching the FA Trophy semi-finals in 2012.

Speaking after making the decision to step down, Krais said: “It is with regret that I will step down from this role when there is so much happening at the club.

"However, after nine years of utterly selfless and generous support from my wife and family I need to give them more of my focus at what is an important time for us currently.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Wealdstone Football Club board of directors, Gordon Bartlett and the team management and our former and current players, for so much help, support and dedication over the past nine years.

"I also want to thank our generous sponsors and, most of all, our amazing fans for all their support, encouragement and advice during my time as chairman.

"You will rarely see such incredibly dedicated people who volunteer their time and money to help drive the club forward.”

“Leading this great club has been a privilege. I am proud of what we have achieved in my time as chairman. Of course sorting our lease situation remains a huge priority and I am committed to seeing this through.

"However, the time is right for a new person to come in and take the club forward.

"We have established a vision to guide the club in the longer term: professionalising our organisation and delivering our long-term strategy, which has ambitious objectives, especially around the site as well as youth and community.

"We also need to continue to establish ourselves at the National League level, and this means generating ever more income and investment from a wider variety of sources.

"I look forward to a rest and continuing to support Wealdstone FC and its board from the terraces.”

On behalf of the board of directors, club president Paul Rumens said: “Howard has worked tremendously hard for Wealdstone’s benefit for the last nine years.

"During this period, his leadership and commitment to the role has been a major factor in establishing and re-energising the club at its Grosvenor Vale home.

"He will be missed; however. he will carry on with ongoing negotiations in respect of a new lease. As a true Stone, Howard will continue to stand alongside all of us on the terraces home and away.

“We look forward to working with a new chairman to further the good work that Howard has already implemented.

"We have only had three chairmen since 1992 and this has created great stability within our club.

"It is imperative that the club now finds the right person to take us forward, whether that person is currently within or outside the club today, but we will not be rushed into any impulsive decisions over this most important appointment.”