After recent dialogue with owner Chris Munroe, Steve Chettle has decided to leave his role as Director of Football and Head of Academy at the end of April, corresponding with the expiry of his current contract.

Munroe expressed his desire in retaining Chetts following the end of his current deal but is fully respectful of his wishes to get back into the professional game and his four-year stay with the club will now end.

On his time at Greenwich Avenue, Chettle said: “I’ve been here now for four years in two different roles, and it’s been a great experience.

“As manager, I came in in 2019 with the ambition of getting promoted but was disappointed after Covid-19 put stop the two seasons where we were in very strong position to go up.

“Since heading up the academy, we’ve grown on the pitch and off it in terms of reputation and profile. Our player pathway has been evidential, and we’ve seen young talent play for both our first team, as well as experiencing senior football in various steps of the non-league pyramid.

“A stand-out highlight, obviously, was our FA Youth Cup run which saw us eventually lose to West Bromwich Albion, but in those three years, we were the lowest ranked side to qualify for the first-round proper successfully which was a massive achievement.

“I’ve met a lot of good friends during my time here, but I feel now is the right time to take on a new challenge, and hope that Basford United Football Club continues to grow.”

Munroe added: “I have nothing but the utmost respect for Chetts and his family.

“Over his four-year period with us, the club has taken major steps forward in professionalism, both on and off the pitch, and this will be one of Steve’s lasting legacies with Basford United.

“In all aspects of our relationship, we have always respected the wishes of Chetts and none more so when Steve relinquished his first team manager position in January 2022 to take a senior role of Director of Football, in addition to his Head of Educational Academy position.

“Since that move, he has been working closely with our first team in a scouting role and has continued his excellent work in the academy and with our junior section, as well as with our community initiatives such as HAF, holiday camps and soccer schools.

“Steve will leave a big void, but he will always be seen as part of our football family and is always most welcome to Greenwich Avenue.”

Everyone at the club would like to thank Steve for his tireless hard work, efforts and professionalism, and we wish him all the very best for future endeavours.