PORTLAND United president Dave Camp has paid tribute to retiring Blues’ chairman Robin Satherley.

After a decade of service in the role, Satherley is stepping away from the hotseat after the Blues' AGM today (5.15pm) but is expected to remain on the islanders’ committee.

Camp and Satherley have worked extensively together since the mid-90s to create a legacy at the Blues, most recently securing the purchase of the club’s Weyline Stadium ground.

“I will miss him big time,” Camp told Echosport.

“Him and I have worked so closely together over those years. I’ve been secretary, chairman and he’s done all those things as well.

“We’ve never fallen out, we’ve worked so well together. He’s not actually running away from the club, he’s still going to be around and he’s got a great sense of humour.”

Satherley joined Portland almost immediately from school and represented the Blues in the Dorset Combination League and Western League.

Satherley also had spells as manager and secretary at the old Grove Corner ground before leaving to concentrate on cricket as both a player and volunteer with Portland Red Triangle in the mid-80s.

During his formidable partnership with Camp, Satherley has helped oversee big success on the pitch.

In 2016 and 2017 respectively, Portland won the Wessex League Division One and Wessex League Premier.

One infamous tale Satherley enjoys reminding Blues’ fans and staff about is when he is claimed to have scored a header while playing for Portland against Torquay United Reserves.

Camp said: “He often quotes when we played for Portland he had to go to Torquay, they had their reserve side in the Western League.

“He tells me he scored a header – I can’t believe him, nobody believes him!

“But he told the world about this header. He said ‘I went up like a swan,’ or something.

“We’ve had a lot of laughs over the years. Between us, we’ve seen highs and lows in the 24 years at the new ground.

“The first time we came out of the Wessex League there was a bit of a low at the club when most people walked away. We’ve been (through) so much together over those years.”

Current Portland manager Callum Brooks believes Satherley personifies the essence of non-league football.

“We’ve had some really positive chats,” Brooks said. “When I’ve got a signing over the line he’s given me a bit of encouragement.

“For me, people like Robin are what non-league football’s all about.

“The lower leagues, there’s a real honesty and integrity about them. These clubs would not be running without people like Robin.

“They put in money and time just down to the pure love. He will still be attending the games and be active around the club.

“I’ve got huge respect for him and I would hope to go on to have the same relationship with him as if he was chairman.

“I’ve been very fortunate because I’ve got his experience there.”

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