PHC legend Kyle Lightbourne has given newly elected club president Johnny Ball his firm backing.

Ball became the youngest PHC president after defeating incumbent Chris Furbert for the top post in a close election during the club’s AGM earlier this week.

“I think he is a good guy for the job,” said Lightbourne, who could not attend Monday night’s AGM because of personal commitments. “Johnny is a professional individual and hopefully you will see the club move forward under his leadership.”

Lightbourne hopes that under Ball’s leadership the long overdue construction of PHC’s new multidimensional complex in Warwick will be completed.

“That’s got to be the ultimate goal for everyone involved at PHC and I know past president Furbert would’ve been trying to do that,” he said. “It’s taken some time but we’re hoping the new regime will be bear fruit.”

Ball has vowed to make full use of his club’s Warwick ground as soon as possible, something which Lightbourne also wants to see come to fruition.

“That’s where I started my trade and I would like to see it get back to where the kids can come off the hill and train and play,” said the former Zebras star, who went on to enjoy a successful professional career in the UK.

“People recognise TN Tatem as the place where PHC train because there are no facilities there (Stadium Lane) for us. But we used to be able to go to the club and train and get a shower afterwards.”

Lightbourne has fond childhood memories of the former PHC Stadium.

“I was brought up coming to PHC every week so it was like your home so to speak,” he said. “There were always games going on at the club because other clubs like North Village and Vasco da Gama used to play there as well.”

Once the clubhouse is built, Lightbourne hopes memorabilia showcasing PHC’s rich and proud legacy will again be put on display to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of those that have been gone before and inspire future generations.

“Growing up at PHC I used to go in the club and look at all the pictures of former players on the wall and learn about the club’s history,” he recalled. “I think this is really important because a lot of young people don’t know the club’s history.

“A lot of people may see a Sammy Swan or a Kenny Burt but don’t really know anything about them, and that’s what’s missing. A lot of young people don’t know that past president Furbert played for the club and was a stalwart in defence.

“We have to let people know where people have come from and what attracted them to the club. And this is something that has to be passed on to future generations.”