Ebbsfleet United Football Club today announces that Damian Irvine will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, bringing to a close a hugely significant chapter in the club’s history.
Damian has guided the club through some great highs and some testing challenges over the years, culminating in his role steering Ebbsfleet through the past five weeks and into new ownership.
Damian joined the Fleet six and a half years ago and quickly became a driving force behind the club, navigating the challenges of the Covid lockdown within his first two months in the role. He went on to rebuild the football department, laying the foundations for a play-off final appearance in 2021/22, followed immediately by a record-breaking championship win and promotion the following season.
His six years in charge have been defined by professionalism and an open, honest approach to communication with supporters. There have been outstanding moments on the pitch throughout that time, alongside a rise in attendances to their highest average in more than 60 years — and supporters, players and staff alike have known they had a CEO who always went into bat for the football club.
Nowhere has that commitment been clearer than in his recent work to help steer the club through its financial hurdles and clear a path for the new ownership.
Damian has been a familiar, approachable and trusted presence to players, staff, supporters and partners throughout his tenure, and has represented Ebbsfleet United with integrity and pride at every turn.
New owner John O’Leary wished to place on record his sincere thanks and appreciation for Damian’s service: his hard work, professionalism and commitment have left a lasting mark on Ebbsfleet United, and he leaves with the respect and best wishes of everyone connected with the club.
On his departure, Damian said:
“I’ve been genuinely privileged to be part of this wonderful football club, and I’ve always put its best interests, and those of its supporters, first. As the club moves into a new ownership model, it’s been a busy and testing period for everyone involved to arrive at a positive and optimistic outcome, and it’s now a natural time for a transition for the club at daily operational and leadership level.
“I’m proud of my years with the club, and never more so than these last few weeks — steering us towards new ownership and securing the National League’s satisfaction for us to resume playing. Witnessing the tenacity and spirit of every player, staff member and supporter, all absolutely focused on a successful outcome for this club, has been inspiring, and the result is well deserved.
“As the club welcomes John O’Leary to the club, his enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the club through the past month should give everyone confidence that Ebbsfleet United is in good hands, with a bright future ahead.”
Chairman John O’Leary said:
“On behalf of the new ownership, I’d like to thank Damian sincerely for his outstanding service to Ebbsfleet United over the past six and a half years.
“His commitment to this football club, particularly during what has been an extremely challenging period, has been clear for everyone to see. He leaves knowing that he has played a significant part in shaping the club and helping to secure its future.
“As we look ahead, we are incredibly excited about the next chapter for the Fleet. We know how much this club means to its supporters, and our focus is on building a positive, stable, and successful future together.
“We have a great group of players, staff and supporters, and we look forward to sharing plenty of memorable moments with everyone connected with Ebbsfleet United.”
Manager Josh Wright added:
“What Damian has done – tirelessly and unquestioningly – for this football club can’t be forgotten. He has been incredible with the playing staff, always accessible and always here for guidance and help. He’s been a CEO, but so much more than that, and only ever had this club’s best interests at heart.
“I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity as well as the trust and belief he’s shown in me. We have been work colleagues and he’s always been a true professional – but we’re also friends and I’ve loved his work ethic, mindset and winning mentality. The highs of success have been great but even when there have been challenges, he has dug in, shown character, absolute determination, personality and the right way to deal with things, right up to the most recent weeks, in overcoming obstacles.
“I could talk all day about what he has done for this club, for me, my staff and for my family. I’ve got so much appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity he gave me – but the biggest thing for me has been the pleasure of working alongside him. He’s an incredible human being and I wish him nothing but success in whatever he goes on to do.”
Damian will be in attendance at Maidenhead United tomorrow, at the very same away ground where he watched his very first game as Fleet CEO back in March 2020.
Everyone at Ebbsfleet United thanks Damian for his outstanding service, and wishes him every success in the future.
