After a dramatic win in their last match which raises hopes that the team might turn their fortunes and escape relegation from the Vanarama National League North, Gloucester AFC have appointed a new board to run the club – with fans keeping fingers crossed the move will "beat the drop".

The sweeping change comes in the wake of a turbulent year for the club: September saw the departure of manager and ex-England goalkeeper Patrick Chambers along with assistant manager Yan Klukowski. Two weeks ago, chairman Patrick Chambers left  along with his wife, operations director Nicky Chambers.

In a statement to social media, the club said: "Gloucester City AFC are pleased to confirm that a new board has been formed to run the football club for the remainder of this season and beyond."

The newcomers listed are: Chris Freeman, Richard Lewis, Colin Taylor, Phil Grinnell, Mark Cook and Jay Marriot, while a sub-board of three is also to be formed, which will include a member from the club's youth and ladies programme, along with a supporters' representative. The representative will, the statement added, be selected and voted for by the fans in due course.

The club added: "Our primary concern right now is to beat the drop and support Cookie and the lads. The management team are aware that the board are prepared to fully support any squad changes that they see fit.

"The day to day running of the club will be placed with Jay Marriott and Chris Hill. The new board has been assembled with the full support and backing of both Alex and Eamonn, who are hopeful that the new look club board will allow the club to not only grow but bring the sustainability and success we all desire for Gloucester City AFC. We have highlighted the need to build connections and cohesion throughout the club and this is essential for us to be able to move forward. Ever Forward."

In online reaction to the news, fan Goeff Smith said: "Some good, strong and local appointments." Jess Fienemann said the move was a "full clean out" and Graham Tranter added: "As long as it's good for the club I am hopeful it will work."

Mike Cook stepped into the dugout as the new manager shortly after Tim Flowers' departure and was joined by Marc McGregor as assistant manager, along with Andy Hoskins, who became first team coach, and Phil Clarke who took the role of head of analysis. 

Mr Cook, who joined from managing Swindon Town Women, is a former player, assistant and manager at the club, having guided it to safety in a memorable spell from 2019 to 2020 where he attained the highest points per game tally of any manager in the last 25 years.

● In their most recent fixture, the Tigers welcomed Spennymoor Town, comfortably defeating the visitors 4-2. The result means the team have enjoyed two wins on the bounce (across all competitions) before they travel north to take on Chester FC tomorrow.