IAN Neale has sensationally quit as Nuneaton Town chairman - but he insists it is business as usual and fans have no reason to panic.
The man who bought the club four years ago will be replaced by his deputy Neil Hodgson on an interim basis, but Neale insists the club is on a sound footing financially still.
He said: "This has been on the cards for a while. It was about finding the right time to announce it.
"Everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about. I'll carry on with the day-to-day running of the club. The timing is right for me to step aside."
Neale cited a need to focus on his business interests outside the football club as the reason for his resignation. He would not be drawn on the details though.
In April it was reported one of his companies - Ian Neale Building Contractors - had gone bust with debts believed to be in the region of £750,000.
However, he retains other interests and it is thought he is addressing issues with those while remaining as a director of the club and playing a key role behind the scenes.
In fact he has not ruled out returning as chairman in future in the right circumstances.
"I might come back as chairman if everything was right. I've enjoyed my time as chairman immensely.
"I see it as we are half way through a journey and every decision I make is in the interest of the club.
"It's the same with all the directors. I love the club and the club comes first."
Neale has over seen a period of runaway success on the pitch. In his four years as chairman, Boro have earned three promotions to make it back to Blue Square Bet Premier for the first time in nine years.
He says Hodgson, who is managing director of Fortec Pallet Distribution, is the perfect person to take over as a figurehead for the football club.
"I can't think of anyone better suited to be chairman. Neil has supported the club for 50 years and he is a respected businessman as someone who runs a company with a turnover of £40 million a year.
"He's passionate about Nuneaton Town and I know he'll do a great job."
The club are still looking for a new board member following the recent resignation of finance director Dave Allen.
