Torquay United

The departure of Mike Bateson marks the end of an era at Torquay United - and the start of a new one.

Mr Bateson, 62, has negotiated the sale of his family's shares to a consortium led by London businessman and ex footballer, Chris Roberts.

The sale was completed on 12th October 2006.

Mr Bateson became chairman of the Gulls in 1990, since when there has hardly been a quiet moment at Plainmoor.

Under his charge, three-quarters of the Plainmoor ground has been redeveloped; while on the pitch, there were two promotions and two relegations.

The Family Stand at Plainmoor - part of the revamp

There were also near misses - notably at the end of the 2005-6 season, when United saved themselves from relegation out of the Football League on the very last day of the campaign, with a 0-0 draw against Boston.

Mr Bateson has been a larger than life character in the football world, and Plainmoor will seem a strange place without his presence.

He admits there are some mixed feelings over selling up, but says the time is right: "Yeah, I guess I'll miss it," he told BBC Devon.

"There are three things I'll always remember. The first was promotion at Wembley against Blackpool which was my home town.

"Then there was that amazing day at Barnet, when it was them or us who went down and we won and stayed up on the last day. That day will always stay in my memory.

"And then there was my master planning when I went on holiday because we were heading for the play-offs. What happens? We get automatic promotion on the last day at Southend, so I missed it! I couldn't believe it.

"There have been a lot of exciting days - the sale of Rodney Jack; finding David Graham and then selling him and getting a lot of money for him.

"Of course there were bad times as well, when I got stick from fans. That said, I'll miss the vast majority of supporters because they were great."

Gulls fans at the end of the Boston game

He added: "There have been a lot of good times, but it's time for a change. It's time for a new broom, new ideas, and new enthusiasm. I've got stale, and I don't mind admitting that.

"I'll be keeping my distance initially. I'll follow the games on BBC Radio Devon. It's always been my intention to sever all ties. You've got to let the new man get on with it.

"I've got plenty of things to do. There are a lot of things I've neglected to do over the years, things around the farm and business stuff."

Mr Bateson first announced his intention to sell up in 2002, and has been approached by several would-be buyers. However, he says he waited for the right purchaser to come along - someone who had the best interests of the club at heart.

"Chris Roberts comes in with a good deal of experience of football clubs," said Mr Bateson. He's got his feet on the ground."

Mr Roberts is a 37-year-old former footballer. He has already said he won't be throwing lots of money at the playing side of the club but will be investing in the infrastructure.

There are no plans to make changes to the staff or management at the club, which is good news for current manager, Ian Atkins.

Roberts takes over a Torquay side which lies in mid-table in League Two.