JIM THORN, the former secretary of the Swindon and District League, has been appointed to succeed retiring Wiltshire League secretary Pete Ackrill, who becomes president of the league.

Ackrill said: "I have known Jim for many years and I am sure he will do a good job.

"He's very efficient. He has been county assistant secretary and was secretary of Liden, who played in the Wilts league many years ago.

"It's an honour for me to be asked to become president and I will be around if Jim needs any assistance."

Explaining his decision to retire, Ackrill said: "Since succeeding the late Sid Ashman in 1981 the whole administration system has completely changed.

"The workload has increased, with more meetings to attend and the involvement of the Football Association at grass roots level.

"I think the time is now ready for a younger person to assume the role, I don't want to go on beyond my sell-by date."

A well-respected match official in the area, Ackrill qualified as a referee in 1957 and was appointed to the Football League's linesman's list until retirement in 1979.

He officiated at all the local cup finals and the highlight of his career was when he was appointed to the European Cup-tie between Malmo FC Sweden and Dynamo Kiev in 1978.

League chairman Dennis Kilford said: "I wish Pete all the best in his retirement. He has been a very efficient secretary and the league has gone from strength to strength under his administrative skill."

Thorn said: "I am very much looking forward to the job and continue the high standard set by my predecessor over the years. I was secretary of the Swindon and District league for 10 years and gave that up when I was appointed assistant secretary of the county FA for three seasons.

"I am very pleased that Pete has become president and will still be around because I think there will be quite a lot of close co-operation during the change over,

"I want to make it as smooth as possible, so that hopefully clubs won't notice the difference."

Mr Kilford presented Ackrill with an engraved crystal glass rose bowl on behalf of the management committee and clubs at the league's annual general meeting.