Long-serving Mike Apps stands down as chairman of Maidstone Boys Primary League

“Looking at my desk as we speak, it’s completely clear, I’ve got nothing there, and that is hard.”

The words of Mike Apps as he reflects on his decision to stand down after 22 years as chairman of the Maidstone Boys Primary League.

It can’t be easy to let go after all that time but Apps is convinced he’s made the right call, just a couple of months shy of his 82nd birthday and having moved away from the area to Wittersham four years ago.

He played an active role in the league for 37 years - becoming chairman in 2000 - but his association goes back to its formation more than half a century ago.

He’s not stepping away altogether, though, having been made league president at the annual meeting.

Apps went out on a high, overseeing a change in name to the Maidstone Youth Football League, an important move to reflect the growing participation of girls.

His replacement as chairman is Peter Fryer, who is also the league treasurer.

“I’m nearly 82, so that’s part of my decision to stand down,” said Apps.

“I’ve moved to Wittersham, and that’s quite a long way to go and keep in touch, and, also, perhaps we need some younger ideas.

“With the last few days coming home and technically having nothing, it’s been quite difficult.

“Looking at my desk as we speak, it’s completely clear, I’ve got nothing there, and that is hard.

“I’ve taken up chairmanship of the Wittersham village hall committee, and I’m on the committee of the Isle of Oxney British Legion branch and I’ve signed up to play bowls, so I’m going to keep pretty active.

“You can’t hang around, you’ve got to do things, but I think it’s time the league moved on with younger people, with their views on how football should go now we’re in the 2020s.”

Apps, who was also chairman of