DAVE Boddy says he is proud of what he has achieved in his time as chairman of Worcester City.

Boddy has stepped down from his position after five years at the helm and has been replaced by Anthony Hampson.

In his time in the role, the out-going chairman has overseen a turbulent period in the St George’s Lane club’s history.

As well as being instrumental in the current proposed ground move to Nunnery Way, Boddy has presided over three managers, a division change and a run to the second round of the FA Cup in 2005.

Boddy stands by his tenure as one of success and feels he has always done his best for the club.

He said: “I always believe that I have done things that I feel to be in the best interest of the football club.

“I have given it five years of my very best. At times it has been personally challenging and very stressful and it’s taken its toll on me but I would have continued to do that if it was right for the club.

“But we have now got a group of people that can take it forward and an ideal candidate to be chairman. In those circumstances I’m happy to become a director once again and continue to give support.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved in the five years, most certainly. I think it’s been one of the most challenging periods the club has seen and one of the most difficult.

“It’s been a major responsibility and I’d like to feel I have carried that out to the best of my abilities and given it everthing I’ve got. I can only be judged on that.

“We have probably not gone particularly far forward on the field, but on the other hand we have kept an even keel at a time when some clubs, at this level of football, have taken off financially.

“I believe we have done well to compete and continue to flirt with the play-offs. I suppose the highlight on the field has been the FA Cup success under Andy Preece when we reached the second round proper and played Huddersfield Town live on Match of the Day.

“I feel the fact that we have kept the club alive in the circumstances we have had to work has been no mean ach-ievement.”

Hampson is one of three people, along with David Hall-mark and Jim Panter, who were co-opted onto the board this week.

Boddy, who replaced Dr Michael Sorensen in the role in 2003, has always stated he would step aside if the right man could be found.

He added: “You look at Anthony’s CV and his pedigree, there’s no doubt about it, he’s the man for the challenge.

“His background in industry and his knowlege of the community and the city stands up to be seen.

“He’s undoubtedly the man to take it forward.”