Brackley Town have confirmed the club’s chairman Francis Oliver is stepping down, ending a run of 22 years in the position.

In a statement last week, the National League North champions confirmed Oliver has chosen to step down, ending an association that began when he took the role back in 2003.

He leaves at the end of a season that saw Brackley confirm their ascent to the National League for the first time in their history. The Northamptonshire-based club confirmed their promotion and title win with victory on the final day of the National League North season.

The club confirmed that Matt Wise will take the role of chairman, having previously served as a director at St James Park. Oliver will remain involved at the club as a director.

In his statement, Oliver praised the efforts of everyone involved both over his tenure and in what turned out to be his final season.

He said, “I am writing to you as a momentous season concludes and preparations for the new season are well and truly underway.

“I stepped into the role of chairman in 2003 and never thought I would still be in post more than 20 years later! With the support of our community and hard work by so many people the club has come a long way. With the club well placed and poised for even greater things in the years ahead this is the time for me to step aside as chairman.

“Matt Wise has been a director and has been heavily involved with the club for many years. Matt will now step in as chair and does so with my best wishes.

“I have every confidence in Matt, our CEO Janene, who oversees and directs the everyday running of the club, and newly appointed director, Tim Carroll, who has also been involved with the club for many years. This group will need your backing and support in the uncharted territory the club will find ourselves in next season.

“I will remain as a director and will continue to enjoy time around the club and assisting Janene and the board as best I can as the club faces the inevitable challenges and continues to grow and develop.

“Saturday 26 April 2025 was an amazing day – in my opinion the best ever among the many highs we have had as a club. And with the Ladies’ team winning three trophies I could not be taking a step back at a better time.

I could not feel more proud of our club and its place in the town. In my 22 years at the helm we have seen a remarkable journey from a local team playing in the Hellenic League to a team that will now be competing in the top division of non-league football.

“The growth in the number of boys and girls enjoying their football with us and the magnificent Saints Community Project on Wednesdays are just two aspects of what the club does and both are especially close to my heart. The Community Project was set up some ten years ago. It has gone from strength to strength and now plays a vital part in the lives of so many people providing an opportunity to get out of the house on a Wednesday and meet other people to have a chat or join in when we have live entertainment. Well done to everyone involved in that amazing project – thank you. Who would have believed all this!

“I have not mentioned here any particular people who have been involved in the club during my stewardship as there are so many of you. I would however like to thank everyone who has helped in this journey – it could not have been achieved without your help, advice, input and hard work.

“I now need to spend more time with my family and sorting out the many tasks that have been put to one side for too long. From a proud man who has taken pride in everything we have achieved together – our town, our club, our community. Come on you Saints!”