Mike Baldry has described the 'privilege' of becoming Dereham Town chairman after more than two decades of involvement in the club.The former goalkeeper - who played for a range of teams including Dereham Minors, Toftwood and North Elmham - takes over the helm from Simon Barnes and said he 'would be a hard act to follow.

Mike Baldry has described the 'privilege' of becoming Dereham Town chairman after more than two decades of involvement in the club.

The former goalkeeper - who played for a range of teams including Dereham Minors, Toftwood and North Elmham - takes over the helm from Simon Barnes and said he 'would be a hard act to follow.'

Baldry had been vice-chairman since 2006, has been on the committee for 20 years and helped run various youth teams for several years.

He admitted it had been a tough season for the Magpies' first team in 2009/10 but said as a whole the club had enjoyed a successful year.

'The under-18s had a great season, the reserves did well and the A side had their best ever season.

'So as a club it was one of our best seasons even though the first time had a disappointing one to say the least.

'But they were playing against quality sides with lots of money. Our budget is just about what it was last year.'

Baldry added: 'Simon did such an excellent job over the last four years and he felt he had had enough and it was time for someone else to take over. I will do the best I can and I am really looking forward to it.'

He is eager for the club to continue to encourage young and local players, and his own son Stuart - who has just returned to the club to be involved with the A side - played for the first team after coming through the youth ranks.

'It is nice to see the lads coming through at Dereham. We had seven-eight local boys playing for the first team and that could return with the strength of our under-18s.'

Norwich-born Baldry moved to Derehamm when he was four and has been in the town ever since.

He started with local builders JK Brock in 1976 as a carpenter and then became foreman and took over as manager when his father Sid retired in 1992.

Baldry's daughter Sophie works in the Aldiss Park kitchen on match days and his wife Sandra also helps out with teas.

Baldry will have a high profile start to his chairmanship as Norwich City travel to Aldiss Park for a pre-season friendly on Saturday July 10, 3pm. Up to 3,000 people are expected and tickets are available from a range of local outlets as well as the club on 01362 690460.

Other committee appointments are: president Jack Wiseman, vice-chairman Ray Bayles, treasurer Kerry Fryer, Aldiss Park manager Ginny Barnes and committee members Nick Starling, Brian Garner, Dale Colson, Ady Burton, David West, Robin Amis, Ady Stevenson, David Hooks and Robin Bartlett.