The National League has confirmed the full-time appointment of interim CEO Phil Alexander to lead non-league football’s top-tier competition.
A former Reading FC youth player, Alexander is arguably the perfect person to lead the competition with experience in the Premier League as Chief Executive of Crystal Palace for 26 years and CEO of Bristol City in the Championship.
The new chief though also has significant experience in non-league football having been part of the great Wokingham Town side of the 1980s and played for both Norwich City and Miramar Rangers in New Zealand. Alexander also had a brief spell as manager of Bracknell Town.
On his appointment, National League Chairman Jack Pearce MBE said: “We are pleased to have confirmed the appointment of Phil Alexander whose years of experience at the highest levels of English football will be of huge benefit to our clubs and their communities.”
Former Wokingham Town player Phil Alexander.
Former Wokingham Town player Phil Alexander.
Top of Alexander’s in-tray is the competitions 3UP campaign which aims to gain an additional promotion spot into the Football League after previous expansions to a single automatic promotion spot in 1987, expanding to two in 2003.
Alexander has been vocal online in his support of the campaign after becoming interim CEO of the league in the summer: “The push for 3UP continues and being included in the scope of the Independent Football Regulator highlights the growth of the game at this level.”
He adds: “The ambition to be innovative and embrace new technology will establish the League in a unique place in the English football pyramid. I look forward to working with the League’s Board, the staff, member clubs and sponsors to deliver this ambition.”
The new National League CEO remains familiar with Berkshire football, having attended Wokingham Town’s 150th celebration in the summer. In 2020 he sat down for an interview with Football in Berkshire while he was Chief Executive at Palace. Listen back below.