LYME Regis have appointed Gerard Hitchcock as their new chairman following the Seasiders’ AGM on Tuesday evening.

Former Lyme player Hitchcock, who managed the Seasiders for two seasons from June 2018 to April 2020 – takes over from fellow club legend Howard Larcombe, who steps aside after 14 years in the role.

In recognition of his services, Larcombe was made an honorary life member of the club.

Also at the AGM, first-team boss Julien Simier and reserve-team manager Matt Preece were re-elected for a second season in their positions.

READ MORE: Tributes flood in for beloved Lyme Regis legend Ken Hitchcock

Simier will be tasked with improving on a season in which Lyme finished fifth in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division, hampered early on by a poor start.

Preece’s reserves, meanwhile, claimed sixth spot in Division Three.

Chezzie Evans has been named vice-chairman to Hitchcock, who will continue in his extra roles as bookings secretary and bar manager.

Pip Evans remains president and Rob Thom stays on as club secretary, however, Evans will be stepping away from his treasurer duties in January and Lyme have urged anyone interested in succeeding him to come forward.

Membership secretary and groundsman roles are also up for the taking, with Mark Bailey fulfilling the latter until a replacement can be found.