[expatriate]

Colleagues, friends, fans and shareholders.

I simply want to thank you all for the messages of support and goodwill.

I have stepped down from the Club today, and I have given away every single share that I owned in line with my commitment and statements made 3 years ago.

The club is in fine form in many respects, but as always, there is work to be done. I hope we can all support the Directors and our new manager, and above all, our players, as they build on the platform that has already been created.

As I have stated in the short note on the website I cannot adequately describe my love and passion for the club and the town. These are things that will never change, so I hope you will understand that my stepping down is not a departure, simply a change in my relationship with the club.

I also wish to take this opportunity of thanking everyone for their support. I also want to apologise for any mistakes, oversights or mis-steps that I might have made. As Chairman the buck stopped with me and if I am to be applauded for our progress, I must also bear responsibility for any shortcomings.

Finally, a huge and heartfelt thank you to the fans. Please provide Peter Marsden with the patient support you gave to me. I am sure he will be communicating with you in due course with his own plans and aspirations, all of which are going to be in the best interests of the club.

with Warmest regards
Ilyas