Change at the Top at Bridlington Town

Bridlington Town AFC have confirmed the departure of Gavin Branton from his role as Chief Executive Officer, and the appointment of Steve Brennan as his successor.

Gavin departs to take up a new position with the Northern Premier League as Head of Education and Training, following over three decades of outstanding service to Bridlington Town.

The club says 

"his commitment, leadership and contribution to the club across countless roles over many years have been instrumental in the Seasiders’ progress both on and off the pitch. The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Gavin for his dedication, professionalism and passion, and wishes him every success in his new role."

Steve Brennan joins as Chief Executive Officer with a proven track record in youth football and education through SFS, and with strong ties to the club's community partnerships including SFS and CYP.

The club say

"his appointment underlines the club’s focus on building clear pathways for young people, strengthening football and education programmes, and accelerating growth on and off the pitch."

Working alongside the Chairman, first-team management and wider staff, Steve will lead on operational excellence, commercial development and long-term strategy as Bridlington Town pursues its ambition to progress up the football pyramid and create a welcoming home for players, supporters and families.

Chairman Daniel Rogers said:

“It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of Gavin Branton as he takes up his new role with the Northern Premier League as head of education and training.

Gavin has been a permanent fixture of Bridlington Town Football club for the last 3 decades and has been instrumental in the success we are enjoying both on and off the pitch. I will be forever grateful to Gavin for helping me navigate the early days when we acquired the football club and for stepping up to be my Chief Executive in the 24/25 season.

Losing Gavin is like losing a limb and losing my right hand man as I’m sure Pete would have agreed under his tenure. However one of our goals for Bridlington Town is to be a platform for ambitious and talented individuals to grow and reach their full potential on and off the field and we are thrilled for Gavin that his talents have been recognised by our league body the NPL and we have absolute confidence that he’s going to go on and smash it in his new role.

This is not good-bye as we will continue working with Gavin in his new role on the other side of the table and we hope he’ll have enough time to cheer on the Seasiders at Queensgate this season and beyond when his busy schedule will permit.

We are delighted to announce that Steve Brennan has been appointed to replace Gavin. Steve has led and grown SFS to be an incredible force in youth football and education. We are proud of our partnership with SFS and CYP and the pathways that these will create for young people in Bridlington and beyond.

Having Steve at the helm of Bridlington Town will ensure that these ties are strengthened further as we pursue our ambition to move up the football pyramid. Personally speaking, I’ve been impressed with Steve’s dedication to excellence, his conduct in business throughout our partnership and his clear ability to lead.”

Incoming Chief Executive Officer Steve Brennan said:

“I’m incredibly proud to be joining Bridlington Town AFC as Chief Executive Officer.

The club has a rich history and a passionate community around it, and I’m excited to help lead the next stage of its development, both on and off the pitch.

My background in business, education and player development through the SFS programme has shown me how powerful the right environment can be for young people. That same philosophy will be central to Bridlington Town’s future…developing pathways, opportunities, and a community that supports both performance and personal growth for long term success.

Together with Dan, Mike, and the wider team, our focus will be on strengthening the club’s foundations, growing commercial activity, and creating a place where players, fans, and families feel truly part of something special.”

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Gavin Branton said:

“I first saw Bridlington Town in 1965 and for the past 3 decades have been actively involved undertaking various roles with the club. Culminating with the honour of being the CEO. So – it was always going to take a very special opportunity to tempt me to leave the club.

I am honoured and proud to have been given the trust and opportunity to take up the prestigious role of Education and Development Manager with the Northern Premier League. A new position and one that I am relishing the challenge for on my start date of Monday 13th October. My new role will enable me to contribute to the continued development of the Northern Premier League and make a positive difference to 88 member clubs across 4 divisions – rather than just Bridlington Town.

The time to move on is absolutely right both professionally and personally. However, I will always treasure and cherish my time serving the club. I will not be a stranger at The Mounting Systems Stadium but obviously due to any possible conflict of interest I cannot hold any official position within Bridlington Town.

I must now briefly mention the following – I will catch up face to face for proper thank you conversations and for those not mentioned below.

I would like to thank Dan for his trust in allowing me to do my role under his ownership – we have both had ‘fun’ and learned a lot. Your journey and vison continue and you will achieve it. I am honoured to have played a small part in it. It’s been a ‘blast’.

To my old mate Sir Pete – no words can express my admiration for this man. A gentleman and an absolute legend. I am blessed to call you a friend. The wisest man I have ever met.

All the managers I have worked with – I have lost count of how many but it is well into double figures. All the volunteers and employees I have had the privilege and pleasure in working alongside. Past and present and those who unfortunately are no longer with us. They watch over us from that ‘stadium in the sky’.

All the players who have at all times been gracious, welcoming and a credit to the club. I have been privileged to be at the ‘coal face’ of our football club and shared the dressing rooms and dugouts home and away and this has been an amazing experience and one I have truly loved.

Finally – I wish the present management and squad all the very best for the remainder of the season. I would love to be up on stage at Blackpool in June getting involved in the promotion presentations.

To all the supporters – stay positive and it may happen. Be negative and it never will.

Live the dream.

Onwards and Upwards”