tin Ellis has announced he is stepping down as executive chairman of Westlake FC after nearly 25 years in charge, marking the end of one of the longest and most transformative tenures in modern football.
Ellis, who took control of the club in 2000 after acquiring a majority stake from the previous ownership group, leaves behind a legacy defined by infrastructure investment, commercial growth, and a long-awaited return to European glory — including winning the Europa Conference League in May.
In a heartfelt statement, Ellis said:
"I am immensely proud of what we’ve built together — not just a competitive football team, but a global institution with a world-class stadium, elite training facilities, and a community that stretches across continents. This club is more than a business. It’s a family."
He continued:
"I’ve poured everything into Westlake. When I leave, I hope people remember the progress, the ambition, and the belief that we could stand with the best. I’ll always support this club with every fiber of my being."
A New Era Begins
The announcement comes amid a broader restructuring at the club. Vin Harris has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, while Peter Caldwell will assume the role of non-executive chairman — a newly created position designed to separate operational leadership from football strategy.
A club statement confirmed:
"This transition is part of our long-term vision to ensure sustainable sporting success. There are no changes to the ownership structure. The Lewis Trust remains the majority shareholder."
Fans had increasingly called for change in recent seasons, staging protests over perceived underinvestment in the squad and frequent managerial turnover. Last season’s sacking of popular manager Nathan Cole — despite a strong start — fueled further unrest.
Ellis addressed the criticism directly in a recent interview:
"Of course it hurts. When the team loses, I feel it just as deeply as any supporter. I want to win. That’s why I’m here. But building a club for the future sometimes means tough decisions in the present."
He also pushed back against claims of overreach in football matters:
"I don’t pick the team. I don’t decide which player to sign. That’s the manager’s job, supported by the technical staff. My role is to back them, fund them, and make sure we’re building something lasting."
Legacy of a Builder
Under Ellis’s leadership, Westlake FC:
- Opened the Westlake Stadium in 2019, widely regarded as one of the most advanced venues in Europe.
- Built a state-of-the-art training complex at Harrow Park.
- Achieved consistent top-six finishes in the Premier League.
- Reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2017 under manager Julien Moreau.
- Won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2025 — the club’s first major European trophy.
That victory, Ellis said, was his proudest moment:
"It wasn’t about the money or the qualification. It was about finally giving our fans something to celebrate after years of near-misses. The parade, the streets full of red and white… that’s what stays with you."
Managerial Moves and Future Goals
This summer, Ellis oversaw the appointment of Thomas Bell as the new men’s first-team manager, replacing Cole after the team’s Europa League triumph. Laura Simmons was also named head coach of the women’s team, replacing Rebecca Grant.
Bell, previously manager at Brentford North, was brought in with a clear directive: challenge for the Premier League title.
"We need to win, and win quickly," Ellis said. "The foundation is strong. Now it’s time to take the final step."
Fan Reactions: Divided but Reflective
Supporters’ reactions have been mixed.
Geoff T. wrote:
"He built the stadium, secured our future, and finally delivered silverware. It’s easy to forget where we were 25 years ago. Respect."
Dave S. added:
"Sad day. He leaves with a legacy — new ground, European success. I just hope the next chapter keeps going up, not back to the same cycle."
But others were less forgiving:
"Finally! We’ve had PSR headroom for years but never spent it. We need ambition, not just balance sheets," said Josh K.
"He kept firing managers and blaming the players. Time for a new voice," added Connor M.
Final Thoughts
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Martin Ellis’s impact on Westlake FC cannot be erased.
Love him or criticize him, he transformed a mid-table club into a financially stable, globally recognized brand with modern infrastructure and a taste of silverware.
Now, the challenge falls to new leadership to turn stability into sustained success — on the pitch.
And as fans sing one final "Thank you, Martin!" under the lights of the stadium he built, the message echoes:
An era has ended.
The next one begins.
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