East Hull have announced that Richard Smales has taken up the position as chairman at the Toolstation NCEL Division One club.

A club statement said: "Richard has vast experience working within the professional element of sport at a number of football and rugby clubs alongside previous NCEL club level experience too.

"We as a committee are delighted to have Richard on board to take the club forwards both on and off the pitch."

Mr Smales commented: "I am delighted to be accepted as the new chairman at East Hull FC.

"Following on from the recent events at the club, there is huge potential to progress the club to the next level and beyond and we all feel it is a fresh start to build a solid platform and create a strong plan to move forwards from day one.

"Over the last week, it has been great getting to know everyone at the club.

"There are some fantastic people involved and we will be looking to shape our club structure off the pitch to match the individual qualities of everyone involved at the club alongside looking to attract further off-field support to bring in a strong football minded board of directors.

"I am excited to work with manager Nathan Doyle, his assistant Andy Watts and all the players at the club. They all know it’s a fresh start and we will look to start as we mean to go on.

"It's not going to be an overnight fix and it will take time to get to where we all want this club to be.

"However, it's now my job and everyone at the club to set the standards high and lay the platform for the lads to do the business on the pitch.

"Of course our main priority is to find a suitable venue in Hull for the club to call home and we are actively speaking with a few locations. We are open to many more options and welcome receiving any possible support with this area.

"Football in Hull has huge potential and we now feel with the slate wiped clean and a fresh start the club can begin to move forwards both on and off the pitch.

"It's no secret it's a massive job on our hands but it is an exciting opportunity to create and build a successful football club as we look to attract more fans to support us over the coming years."

Club secretary Jason Deyes added: "As you will all be aware, there has been a lot of changes at the club over the last couple of weeks and it's been a bit hectic. I took on the role of chairman on a temporary basis until we appointed a new one.

"Firstly, I would like to thank everybody at the club for their support shown to myself, committee member Kevin Revell and Andy Watts has been fantastic.

"Can I thank former chairman Jamie Waltham and Carla Waltham for their support that's been shown to the club over the years as without their support both financially and also their hard work on and off the pitch we wouldn't be where we are today.

"It's sad for me personally to see them both leave the club as they have become friends of myself and my family so I would just like to thank them for their support of the club.

"Going forward we as a club simply cannot stand still and we have to improve and move forwards. I'm pleased to announce we have appointed a new chairman who will take over from me with immediate effect.

"I spoke at length with Richard over the last week and his vision and passion for football is superb. He comes with vast experience of non-league football and his vision for this club really excites me.

"The club will always be in my blood and myself, Andy Watts and Kevin Revell will be at the forefront of the running of the club.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for East Hull FC to step up to the next level not only on the pitch but more importantly off it as well.

"I've seen Richard's plans for the next ten years and quite frankly it's exciting to see.

"Finally, can I thank the players for their patience over the last couple of weeks as they have all responded in the correct manner."

East Hull are now looking forward to the future as they plan to move forwards both on and off the pitch, and they would welcome receiving any additional help and support, be it volunteers, match day staff and any possible sponsorship for the football club.

Anyone wishing to discuss these further is asked to contact the club's new chairman directly at richardsmales86@gmail.com.