READING FC legend Dave Kitson is hoping to pursue a football director role at a Berkshire based club after stepping down as chairman of Arlesey Town FC.
Kitson made his name as a Royals legend having moved from Cambridge Tow and helped the club win its first ever promotion to the top flight in 2005/06, scoring 18 league goals as Reading finished in top spot with a record breaking 106 points in the Championship.
Playing two seasons with Reading in the Premier League, Kitson netted 12 top flight goals which took him to 62 goals in all competitions for the club.
Following his playing career, Kitson has recently established his new football academy (The Dave Kitson Academy) in the Reading area.
The former striker is also currently coaching the Reading Blue Coat School football team and has been visiting schools to give talks on mental health.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as chairman of Arlesey Town Football Club,” said Kitson.
“In the two years since I took on the role, the committee and I have achieved some incredible things together.
“When I became chairman in 2021 the club had no youth teams. Today, Arlesey has a fully fledged youth operation with more than 15 girls and boys EJA teams playing across Beds and Herts, with our players regularly signed by professional clubs.
“The clubhouse, which was 20 years tired and in desperate need of modernisation, has been brought up to modern standards and is now the envy of every other club far beyond the step 5 level at which we play. Loanees have been repaid and the club is now in a cash positive positon.
“The club is also well down the track to installing new floodlights and a brand new £1m 4G pitch that will provide a self perpetuating revenue base for the club.
“Unfortunately, Arlesey has become a journey too far in recent months given my affiliation to Reading and that my life has been, and will remain, in Berkshire for the foreseeable future.
“It goes without saying that I wish the club where I started my career every success for the future, and I will always be here to offer any help and guidance.
“Moving forward I will be looking for more local opportunities as either chairman, director of football or board member for a semi-professional club in the Berkshire area.”
