A grassroots football club has said 'thank you' to its departing chairman who steps down after 26 years.

Warwick Wanderers AFC chairman Kevin Dobinson, who started the club in 1997 with just nine players and one team, will step down after over 26 years at the helm of the local football club. 

(Image: Warwick Wanderers AFC) Dobinson has presided over generations of budding local footballers and will be succeeded as club chairman by Tom Brocklebank. 

Announcing the news of Dobinson's departure on social media, Warwick Wanderers AFC paid tribute to their former chairman's legacy. 

They said: "After more than 26 years as Club Chairman of Warwick Wanderers AFC, Kevin Dobinson, who started the club in 1997 with nine players and one team, has decided to step down.

(Image: Warwick Wanderers AFC) "His original team players are now all grown up, many with families, looking to introduce their children to football at Warwick Wanderers, and maybe even take on the roles as coaches.

"As the cycle has come full circle, Kevin hands over the reins to our new Club Chairman Tom Brocklebank, who inherits a club surrounded by dedicated coaches and committee members to oversee the next chapter in our club's history.

(Image: Warwick Wanderers AFC) "Thank you to Kevin for having the vision and drive to start a football club that currently looks after 402 players from five to 16."