12:34pm Wednesday 14th June 2006
IT IS not only regarding on-the-pitch matters where Basingstoke Town has made a signing - as a commercial manager has been appointed by the board of directors.
The new man is Steve Duly, who links up with Town manager Francis Vines again after their time together at Crawley Town.
Duly spent six years at Crawley, where he was managing director for five years before moving to the role of director of football, following the club's change of ownership last summer.
At Basingstoke Town, Duly is taking on the responsibility of all commercial affairs and, under general manager duties, will look after the club's day-to-day operations.
Additionally, he is going to work closely with Vines on team issues.
Speaking about his appointment, Duly said: "I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
"I have joined a club with a hard-working and ambitious board of directors with whom I share the same desires and objectives.
"I had an excellent working relationship with Francis during our time together at Crawley. Having the opportunity to rekindle that partnership and to try to emulate our former successes fills me with great excitement."
Vines is also looking forward to working again with his previous boss.
He said: "Steve is a football man through and through. He is extremely hard-working and motivated with a great knowledge of the non-league game.
"I am sure he will prove to be an excellent acquisition for the club."
Town vice-chairman Steve Murfitt commented: "Steve comes with a proven track record and his appointment shows the ambitions and desires of the club to move forward.
"Steve's main aim in the first few months is to raise the profile of the club in the local business community and throughout Basingstoke's population.
"Steve's appointment coming so soon after Francis joined the club heralds an exciting era of the club's progression."
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