REIGNING Foster’s Lancashire League champions Lowerhouse are to reward their long serving managing director David Wren with the position of club president when he steps down from his current role.

Wren, who is credited with much of the off-field work that helped the Burnley side transform from perennial strugglers to one of the leading clubs in the county, has left the board after more than four decades at the front line.

And now Liverpool Road shareholders will be asked to ratify him as president at their annual general meeting next month.

Lowerhouse secretary Frank Entwistle has praised the impact of Wren and said: “The role of president has been vacant for some years but is now being filled by a person truly fitting such a prestigious position.

“David has stood down as a director after four decades as a committeeman, club chairman and managing director.

“He has been at the helm and steered Lowerhouse from the lowest of positions through to League and Cup double winners.

“Most significantly, he took personal financial responsibility for keeping the club afloat during the tough times.

“During David’s tenure the club has significantly improved the square and clubroom. He has invested in machinery, renovations and junior development including the largest outdoor nets facility in the country and success has followed on the field.

“All Lowerhouse supporters know his paramount contribution to the survival and development of the club and we are eternally grateful.”

Matthew Stansfield will replace Wren as managing director at the meeting on March 6.