John Pleasants has stood down as chairman of Workington Town and is leaving the board.
A former Town coach Gary Murdock, who has been acting as director of rugby and playing a leading role in player recruitment, will join the board.
On his decision to stand aside Pleasants said: “”It is with very mixed emotions that I’m informing all associated with Workington Town of my intention to stand down as chairman of our wonderful club, and to vacate my position as a member of the board.
“Over the last six months I have found it more and more difficult to perform to the standards I believe are necessary from my own perspective, and also to ensure the club continues to move forward in a positive direction, both on and off the field.
“It is becoming very apparent to me that to perform as an effective chairman, and to be fully engaged in the new stadium project is just putting me under too much pressure, and that is not good for either myself or the club in the long term.
“I believe that for the club to thrive and be successful it is absolutely essential that we ensure the new stadium being planned for the Town and Reds is delivered on time and to a specification that meets the needs of both clubs both on the pitch, and more importantly from a financial position.
“I have agreed with my fellow directors that I will continue to work with them as required on the new stadium project, and I will make myself available as required to help and support their activities as they strive to ensure the club stays on the current positive development trajectory.
“Last season was a tough time for everyone associated with the club, but I would like to reinforce my thanks and gratitude to everyone, fans, volunteers, shareholders, players and coaching staff, sponsors, and of course my fellow board members for the tremendous effort that was put in to ensure the club survived as a viable concern.
“I truly believe that we have emerged stronger from what was an incredibly difficult period in the club’s history, and the vibe around Derwent Park at the moment is very positive, and I am sure we have the necessary foundations in place to move the club forward towards a very successful future.
“I cannot pretend my decision to stand down has been an easy one, but I am convinced it is the right thing for both myself and the club. I feel comfortable that the club is in good hands, and with the new stadium on the horizon, now is definitely the right time for innovative thinking, and new ideas from both existing personnel, and hopefully also some new dynamic leadership.
“Thanks again to everyone for your support during my tenure as chair and board member at Workington Town, it really was very much appreciated, and of course I will look forward to many more years watching and supporting Town whether that be in the current Derwent Park facility, or hopefully before too much longer in a new stadium across the road.”
It should be noted, too, that Reds chairman Dave Bowden took a similar stance and almost twelve months ago also stood down from the board to devote his time to the stadium project.
New director Gary Murdock, who was first recognised as a top coach with the Ellenborough club before taking the job at Workington in 2000, joins Graeme Peers, Kerry Harrison and Mark McSherry on the board.
Town are also looking for potential candidates to get involved with the club and invite discussions on the vision they have and the opportunity that Allerdale has with all areas connected to a successful stadium facility build.
A club statement said: “In the short term, the club is on a stable footing and will continue to be steered forward by the current board who are very encouraged by the start to the new season.
“The Board of Directors and everyone at the club would like to thank John for his contribution over his time on the board.”
