The former chairman of Soham Town Rangers said he felt that the “time was right” for him to step aside after more than 30 years at the helm.

Colin Murfitt, 67, informed the club’s committee at last week’s annual meeting that he would be stepping down from his role to “allow someone else to take on the responsibility”.

Mr Murfitt served two stints as chairman over a period of more than 30 years and was appointed honorary life president by committee members as recognition for his service.

Mr Murfitt said: “I felt that the time was right for me to stand down. I have done my bit and it’s time to move on.

“I haven’t been at many games over the past few seasons and the club needs somebody who is going to get involved.

“When I took over, the club was in a difficult situation but I have left it in a strong and stable position with good finances.”

Mr Murfitt said that he had proposed Stuart Hamilton as his successor to the club committee and that he had been duly elected.

Mr Hamilton joined the club at the beginning of last season, having previously been associated with both Cambridge City and Histon football clubs. He is also on the board of directors with the Southern League and has worked with current manager Steve Fallon previously.

Mr Murfitt said that he expected the club to continue to do well in his absence but added that he would continue to be involved where he could, particularly with events.

He said: “Considering the size that Soham is, we punch above our weight and we do very well. It is very hard to compete with some of the bigger teams but we have managed it.”

Mr Murfitt said his favourite memory from his time as chairman was winning the Eastern Counties League in 2007-08 and he hailed Ian Benjamin and Steve Fallon as the best managers he had worked with.