Mepham Seeks A New Challenge

It has been announced long standing communications manager Phil Mepham has left the club to seek a new challenge.

Apparently this was known, but this is what happens when you have your head buried in the sand....or is that just me?

It's surprising to the think the former Central Sports presenter has been with us since 2000.

Been a fair few upheavals in his time, from managers, well lots of managerial changes and then the all important arrival of Randy Lerner.

Having been in the job for 8 years Mepham has revealed he is seeking a new challenge and a change of direction, although he expects to remain within the sporting industry in one form or another.

Since his departure at the beginning of the month Claire Huggins has taken over journalistic liason - isn't she lucky! However she states, that although she has taken on extra duties she has not replaced Phil.

"I haven`t taken Phil`s job but will be carrying out parts of the role which he did as a restructuring of the department."

Speaking to the Mail, Mepham said once he made the decision to move on he sat down with club officials and the whole matter was very amicable, adding he wishes Villa all the best for the future and believes we have the foundations now to go from strength to strength.

"I felt at 48 it was time for me make a change so I sat down with the club and we and came to a decision.

"It was very amicable and completely of my own volition and everyone remains friends.

"It`s an exciting time for me and I wish Villa all the best and I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength.

"At this moment in time it`s too early to say what I will do but with my background in sport it`s likely that I will remain within the field.

"I`ve had a couple of conversations about projects but at the minute I am looking forward to spending time with my family."

Be interesting to see what direction he now takes, will also be interesting to see if the club appoint somebody from within the existing staff base or bring in somebody from the outside.

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