Yesterday evening, Steeton announced the departure of chairman Pete Jeffrey following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

Leaving his position within the club after the end of the campaign on Saturday, it brings an end to Jeffrey’s eight-year affiliation with Steeton AFC.

During the past eight years, he has helped the club both on and off the pitch as they made the step up to semi-professional status with promotion to the North West Counties Football League First Division North in the summer of 2018.

Playing a major part in our moves to first Cougar Park and then Marley Stadium, Jeffrey also helped the growth of the club’s junior section while pitching in with the first team on matchdays as both the goalkeeper coach and first aider for the players.

Initially bringing his junior side from Sutton Juniors to form a new Under-16 side at Steeton, Jeffrey proved instrumental in developing them into an U19 side playing midweek games at Greenhead School.

The side went on to produce future first team players for Steeton such as Freddie Maddocks, Ben Clarkson and Jeffrey’s son Toby.

Keighley News: Pete Jeffrey's son Toby slams home a winner for Steeton against Garstang last year.Pete Jeffrey's son Toby slams home a winner for Steeton against Garstang last year. (Image: Ian Meachin.)

Behind the scenes, alongside his role as chairman, Jeffrey also supported the club through sponsorship and aiding in any way he possibly could.

He created the turnstiles now in use at Marley and also helped with additional groundworks around the stadium, as it was brought up to standard for Step Six of the non-league pyramid.

Jeffrey’s wife Jean, who served as matchday hospitality host and turnstile operator on matchdays at Marley, will also be departing the club following the end of this season.

Steeton have added they would like to place their thanks on record to the pair and wish them all the best for the future.