Horndean Football Club wishes to announce, with deep regret, that our Chairman, Mick Catlin, is stepping down and leaving the club with immediate effect.

A true Dean’s legend as a player, Mick rejoined the club as General Manager five years ago, working closely with First Team Manager Michael Birmingham and his backroom staff to build a squad capable of playing attractive, possession-based football.

The 2022/23 season then saw Mick take on the role of Chairman — a campaign that everyone associated with the Dean’s will never forget. Horndean secured the Wessex Premier League title in thrilling fashion and also lifted the Portsmouth Senior Cup following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Fareham at Fratton Park.

There is no doubt that Mick played a major role in helping “Birmy” and his talented squad achieve such memorable success.

Promotion took Horndean into Step 4 football for the first time in the club’s history, and the team competed admirably in the Isthmian South East Division, achieving a comfortable mid-table finish. Throughout this period, Mick worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the first-team squad.

The past two seasons in the Isthmian South Central Division ultimately proved a challenge too far, with the club suffering relegation this season while fielding a young and inexperienced squad.

This in no way reflects on Mick, whose dedication and hard work behind the scenes never wavered, even when results did not go the club’s way. What it did prove beyond doubt is that “Cats” is a true Dean’s legend off the field as well as on it.

Mick leaves Horndean FC to focus on family and business commitments. Everyone connected with the club sincerely wishes him all the very best for the future. He leaves with the utmost respect and admiration from across the region’s non-league football community.

Horndean FC is also pleased to announce that local businessman, Horndean sponsorship partner, and loyal supporter John Bushnell has agreed to replace Mick as Chairman of the club. John is looking forward to leading the Dean’s into a new era alongside new First Team Manager Kevin Adair.

Warmest regards,
Rob Norris
Vice-Chairman