The Football Conference Ltd are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of a new independent Chairman who will succeed Brian Lee, when he steps down after eight years leading the competition, at the end of this current season.

The Board of the Football Conference at its meeting in London today agreed unanimously to offer an invitation to Brian Barwick to become its future Chairman.

Brian Barwick comes to the competition with a wealth of experience in the sporting and media world with a number of high profile organisations and his achievements in those is well documented.

Brian Barwick commented, "I am delighted to have been appointed the future Chairman of The Football Conference. And I particularly look forward to working with the accomplished current Chairman, Brian Lee, as he brings to a close his superb stewardship of the competition. Along with my fellow Board members I will be looking to build on the well-established strengths of Conference football and play my part in taking the organisation forward".

"Throughout the Vanarama Conference divisions, there is a vast number of committed and hard-working football people who make their clubs tick and who provide great enjoyment for their local communities. In due course, I intend to meet all of them and share our mutual passion for football".

"I look forward to a long and positive relationship with one of football’s most enduring and endearing competitions.

Brian Lee wished to endorse the selection procedure by the Board to find the right person to take on the task of leading the competition over the coming years.

He stated "Since I indicated this would be my last season at the helm, behind the scenes of the everyday work of the Football Conference, much has taken place into finding the right calibre of person, with the best credentials, to oversee the challenging times the game is going through and to enhance the future positioning of the Football Conference in it".

"That choice has been well made and I am sure all connected with us, including directors, staff, club personnel, supporters and our sponsors, will join with me in welcoming Brian and extend to him the support I have received during my term of office".