The Sons of Ben announced on Friday that co-founder Brian James has stepped down as president of the Philadelphia Union supporters group.

Matt Ansbro, the vice-president under James, will take over as president of the supporters group. Gameday capo Corey Furlan will be the new vice-president.

James said in a statement sent via email to the SOB membership,

“After 4 plus years of leading the group from its creation to an internationally known supporters club, it is time for me to step aside. I want to thank you for your friendship and belief that somehow wearing light blue and showing up at league events would eventually lead to the team we now see play every week in a stadium we could have only dreamed of. Leading the Sons of Ben has been an experience of a lifetime for me and I appreciate where we have come from and that we need to push hard to continue to improve every week.”

“The time commitment needed to succeed at work has steadily increased over the last year and now I must leave Sons of Ben in the hands of people who have the time to dedicate to our membership and our ownership to ensure that our progress continues. Thanks again for your support.”

James now has the title of President Emeritus.

Photo courtesy of The Original Winger