LANPAC Chairman appointed

Following the retirement of Tom Croft after 10 successful years, the LANPAC Board of Directors have appointed Jimmy Armfield as the new Chairman. Manchester born Jimmy (71) who is married with two sons, was educated in Lancashire and undertook his National Service with the King's Own Royal Regiment, before becoming internationally known for a lifetime in football.

Unusually (by today's standards), he devoted his entire League playing career to one club - Blackpool FC - for whom he made over 600 appearances. He also received 43 England Caps, captaining the national team between 1962-64 and being a member of the 1962 and 1966 World Cup Squads.

Following his playing career, Jimmy went into football management with Bolton Wanderers (1971-74) and Leeds United (1974-78). He took Leeds United to the 1975 European Cup Final before focusing on a career in sports journalism as a sports commentator with both local and national newspapers and still continues in this profession with over 25 years service with BBC Radio. Currently, he is Technical Consultant to both the Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association.

Away from football, Mr Armfield supports a number of public and charitable organisations. He is a School Governor, Church Organist, Vice-Chairman of the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Hospitals NHS Trust, President of Age Concern, Blackpool, Vice President of the Lancashire Outward Bound Trust and a Member of the Blackburn Cathedral Trust.

Mr Armfield, a Freeman of the Borough of Blackpool, was awarded the OBE in the Millennium honours list and made a Deputy Lieutenant for Lancashire in 2004. He was appointed as High Sheriff of Lancashire for 2005-06 by Her Majesty The Queen in her right as the Duke of Lancaster.

Jimmy said “I am delighted to take on this challenging role, and I would like to thank the Board of Directors for allowing me to do so. I would also like to pass on my best wishes to Tom Croft, who retired to spend more time with his family, he will be a hard act to follow”.