Simon Bellamy named CEO

Stockport County Board member Simon Bellamy has been named as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Simon has volunteered to take on the CEO position, working two or three days per week to manage the team at Edgeley Park and oversee the club’s day-to-day operations.

The position has been left vacant since 2014.

Simon said: “I’m honoured to take on the role – we have some amazing people behind the scenes, but the Board has felt for some time that we needed someone on-site more often, to help manage the club on a day–to–day basis.

“We have a handful of dedicated full-time staff, and they now have someone much closer to the business who can help them to do things more efficiently and effectively without having to wait for the Board of Directors to come together.”

Simon is supported by the Board including Chairman Richard Park, Gary Burton, Steve Bellis, Malcolm Cooke and Jon Keighren, as well as George Hudson, who advises the Board on project management and digitalisation.

Simon, 46, Director and owner of Easi-Drive, said: “We have a fantastic group of people at Edgeley Park, they’re all County fans, and I’m really enjoying working closely with them as we seek to take the club back where it belongs. The range of skills we are able to call upon is tremendous.

“We may be in the National League North but this is still a business with a £1m turnover, and we’re at a significant milestone in our long and proud history, and it’s my job to ensure that this club has a stable and sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.”

Simon’s company Easi-Drive was founded in 2001 by Simon and brother Daniel, and it has developed into a multi-million-pound turnover operation, providing replacement vehicles for motorists involved in accidents. The company has a fleet well in excess of 2000 vehicles and employs more than 300 people.

He said: “I took the decision to invest in County and became a shareholder several years ago. I’ve gradually got sucked closer to the beating heart of the club and now I’m here several days a week, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, I love the place and I love the people.

“I’ve said previously, I made the initial investment with my heart, not my head, but it’s great to be here.”

Welcoming the appointment of Simon Bellamy, Chairman Richard Park said: “This is a critical period for the football club, so the Board would like to thank Simon for his generous offer to dedicate a substantial amount of time to the business and we look forward to working with him to achieve our aims.”