THE man who led football to a new level in Galashiels has stepped down.

Kevin Temple was instrumental in helping create Gala Fairydean Rovers during the summer of 2013 to take their place in the Lowland League.

And over the past five years he has been one of the driving forces behind the club’s growth from two adult teams to one of the biggest sporting institutions in the Borders.

The Netherdale club currently boasts 17 teams - including, junior, youth, ladies, walking and disability football - and over 350 players

But the businessman resigned just before Christmas from his post as chairman.

Kevin told us: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve Gala Fairydean Rovers as chairman since our formation in 2013.

"During that time the club has been transformed - we have wiped out a large debt, gained our SFA licence, have established ourselves in the highly competitive Lowland League and are now truly a community club.

"I am especially proud of my role along with others in bringing together the Fairydean and the Rovers to help create a bigger and stronger football club in Galashiels."

Temple indicated to the Fairydean Rovers board of his intentions towards the end of last year.

And taking is local IT engineer Ryan Cass.

The outgoing chairman wished his successor well.

Kevin added: "I plan to remain at the club in a commercial capacity helping to generate much needed sponsorship income but felt the time was right to allow someone else the opportunity to chair the club.

"The committee is one of the hardest working in Scottish non-league and I know that under Ryan Cass’s leadership the club will continue to go from strength to strength."

Gala Fairydean Rovers currently sit mid-table in Scottish football's fifth tier.

And the new chairman was full of praise for his predecessor.

Ryan, who is the son of former vice-chairman Tommy Cass, said: "I would just like to give credit and thanks to Kevin on what he has achieved at Gala Fairydean Rovers and indeed for football in the town of Galashiels.

"He was one of the key members in forming the amalgamation between Gala Rovers and Gala Fairydean.

"Since then the club has grown into fantastic community club on and off the park.

"On behalf of everyone associated at GFR we want to thank Kevin for his 6 years at the club and we will continue to drive the club forward and show the same kind passion and drive that was delivered by him.”