Wycombe Wanderers have announced that Ivor Beeks has taken the reins as the new president of the football club.

The role had previously been held for more than 50 years by Monty Seymour, who passed away in January at the age of 102, and Beeks was the choice of both club and Trust boards as Monty’s successor.

Having first become a director of the club in 1985, Beeks was appointed chairman two years later and held the post for 26 years, overseeing one of the most successful periods in the Chairboys’ history as they entered the Football League for the first time, tasted victory three times at Wembley Stadium, and reached the semi-final of both domestic cup competitions.

He also played an integral role in the move from Loakes Park to Adams Park in 1990, and the subsequent developments of the Frank Adams Stand and away stand at the current stadium.

He was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2012 with an MBE for services to football and the community in High Wycombe, and received a Long Service Award from the Football League – of which he spent time on the board of directors - a few months later, while also helping the club through its transition to supporter ownership.

Beeks was appointed vice-president in 2013 and returned to the club board in 2015, working alongside new chairman Andrew Howard and Trevor Stroud, David Cook and Mark Burrell.

In addition to his roles within the club, he also sat on various committees over a 17-year period with the Football Association, relating to disciplinary, membership, safeguarding and international matters.

Beeks said: “I am extremely honoured to be offered the role of president of Wycombe Wanderers. It is without doubt the pinnacle of my career at the football club.”

Howard commented: “Ivor is the natural and the right choice to take over as president of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club.

“He has immense knowledge, experience and passion for this club and he is a fantastic ambassador for what the club represents. We all see the role of president as a much more active and supporting role and Ivor will continue to contribute in many areas.”

Stroud added: “Both boards were in agreement that Ivor was the perfect person to continue Monty’s legacy as president. Ivor has always held the club’s best interests at heart and remains an important part of the club’s progress on and off the field.”