St. George's Cricket Club is set to hold a Special Presidential Election after Misheal Paynter announced his decision to step down from the role for personal reasons, bringing to a close a highly successful 13-year period of being a part of the executive leadership.
Paynter, who has served in various capacities including President, Vice President, and Chairman of Sport, leaves the historic club on a solid foundation, having overseen a remarkable period of competitive resurgence.
In a statement to www.islandstats.com, Paynter reflected on his tenure, citing a fundamental shift in the club’s sporting ambitions.
"No longer are we a staple of First Division football and cricket, but an established team that challenges for leagues and cups," Paynter said.
Under his leadership, St. George's has achieved significant on-field success:
Football: Promoted to the Premier League in 2020 and were crowned FA Cup Champions in 2024, alongside two third-place league finishes. Cricket: Promoted to the Premier League in 2014, securing three consecutive T20 Premier League championships (2021, 2022, 2023), and winning the 50-over Premier League and both the T20 and 40-over Knockout championships in 2025.
Beyond the trophies, Paynter highlighted investment in infrastructure, including the ongoing initiative to improve the playing surface and the planned installation of LED field lights to benefit both young and old athletes. He also oversaw the introduction of both women’s football (which later faltered) and a successful women’s netball team, aiming to broaden the club's offering.
"It is my hope that we one day achieve the objective that has been set out: WIN," Paynter stated, articulating the audacious goal of securing every trophy in a single sporting calendar year.
Paynter concluded by thanking the club for the opportunity, noting that he must now focus on himself, paving the way for a new leader to build upon his legacy. The club is expected to announce the details of the special election shortly.
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