News
Board of Directors Update | June 2021
Following the completion of the shortened 2021 Championship campaign, the Club would like to provide a Boardroom update as attentions swiftly turn to next season.
Whilst the departing Geoff Irvine and Geoff Comb will of course be missed, our supporters can rest assured by the fact that our remaining Board of Directors and Management Team represent considerable continuity and experience.
As a group we are extremely focussed on achieving continued viability and sustainability for the Club, despite the obvious challenges faced by the league.
The Club wishes to take this opportunity to re-introduce the Board ahead of the new season.
Chairman – David Gunner
With over 22 years on the Bedford Blues Board, David Gunner has stepped up to the position of Chairman. David has already been the Club’s representative on the Championship Clubs Committee for the past 12 months, also chairing Club Board meetings, and will now take a leading role in the direction and future of Bedford Blues moving forwards.
A former player and long-term supporter of the Blues, David is Joint Chief Executive of Club Sponsors Dovecote Park and has several different business interests in the agricultural field. His long-held association with the Club and leadership skills will ensure consistency both on and off the field.
Directors – David Owen, Leigh Mansell, James Stonor, Ian Bullerwell
Between the remaining Directors there is nearly 40 years’ experience in the Bedford Blues Boardroom. All holding high level Board experience in business and sport, there is a wealth of knowledge and capability to further enhance the Club’s viability.
David Owen, a former Managing Partner and CEO at Deloitte, is an extremely passionate rugby supporter, holding Board positions at both Bedford Blues and Scarlets, as well as in Community rugby with Nantgaredig RFC.
On the Blues board since 2015, David is also a Governor of Bedford School, where he serves on the Finance and Renumeration sub-committees.
A former Blue, who made 145 appearances and scored 10 tries, Leigh Mansell has been on the board since 2016. Managing Director of Grafton Motorcycles since January 1993, Mansell has overseen the rapid growth of his own business across the UK. He also continues to hold the position of Chairman at Bedford Rugby Former Players’ Association.
One of David and Leigh’s main responsibilities is supporting Mike Rayer with all rugby matters.
James Stonor is a proud Bedfordian, having grown up in the town and attended Bedford Modern School. Growing Stonbury to become a leading nationwide civil engineering firm in the water industry, James is now Group Chairman alongside a number of other business interests.
Chairman and joint founding trustee (along with Chief Operating Officer Gareth Alred) of the charitable arm of the club, Blues Foundation, James is an advocate for accessibility of sport and extremely passionate about growing the Blues brand. He will continue to support the commercial and community streams of the Club.
Ian Bullerwell, while now based in France, continues to support the Board, offering vast experience in the game and with the club, as well as a wide-ranging network. An ex-player and Chairman (1992-97) of the Club, former International Referee and local business owner, Ian has been ever-present for the last 30 years and will continue to offer counsel as required.
Management Team – Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred and Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer
Further continuity is highlighted within our Management Team who between them have more than 20 years’ experience at the heart of Bedford’s premier sporting club. Gareth and Mike will continue to operate at Board level, whilst undertaking all day-to-day responsibilities for the running of the Club.
On behalf of everyone at Bedford Blues, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all at Goldington Road soon.
Bedford Blues Board of Directors
