Rhos United FC’s new chairman is a very familiar and popular figure at the club

Rhos United FC can confirm the appointment of a new club chairman – and what a great choice it is!

Bret Durkan replaces the outgoing Del Sykes in the key role at the Tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier Division club.

A club statement praised the work of the departing Sykes, saying: “Everyone at the club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Del Sykes for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication during his time as chairman.

“Del has played a huge part in helping put Rhos United in a strong position as we head into the new season, and his efforts for the club have been greatly appreciated. We thank Del for everything he has done and wish him all the very best.

“We are delighted to announce that Bret Durkan has been appointed as new chairman of Rhos United FC.

“Bret has been part of the Rhos United family for many years and knows the club inside and out. His passion, commitment and love for the club make him the perfect person to lead us into an exciting new chapter.”

Speaking following his appointment, Bret said: “I’m proud to be able to become chairman of the club I love.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of people working tirelessly behind the scenes to get everything ready for the new season, and I’m so happy to have such a loyal group of players who have all committed to continuing our journey.

“Together, we’ll keep building on the family feel that makes Rhos United such a special club.”

Congratulating Bret on his appointment, Grassroots North Wales editor Dave Jones said: “I never talk to the media, especially myself, but I have to say something about Bret. The moment I met Bret a few years ago I knew he was chairman material. This was a man who clearly loved the club he was involved with.

“He spoke well and despite being sidelined by a long-term injury at the time, he remained fully committed and focused on his comeback. That comeback came along and has been a fine one, with Rhos in solid shape moving forward.

“Bret has supported Grassroots North Wales since day one, he is one of the friendly faces I remember from the website’s very early days back in 2019.

“I don’t have to say I hope Bret will be a success in this role – I know he will. An all-round good guy.”

BRET DURKAN FACTFILE

• Born: June 18, 1992
• Was captain of Rhos last season
• Returned to playing in 2022-23 after almost four years out with anterior crucial ligament (ACL) injury
• Won the North Wales Coast East Division One title and REM Jones Cup double with Rhos in 2024-25. The team did not lose a single league game.
• Since his comback in 2022 he has netted 17 goals in 91 appearances
• Formerly a striker, these days plays a more defensive role
• Prior to his injury, he played for Rhos for a number of years, mainly in an attacking role but also versatile enough to operate in other positions.
• In the 2017-18 season, he chalked up a number of goals for Rhos in Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Division One before that bad injury struck.
• Highly popular character at his own club and within the league in general