Torquay United

Chris Roberts has resigned as chairman at crisis-torn Torquay United after a reign of just four months.

He's been replaced as chairman by local businessman Keith Richardson, who owns the resort's Grand Hotel. He has been appointed chairman for two years.

Since Roberts took over in October, the Gulls have become six points adrift at the bottom of the Football League. They are in real danger of being relegated out of the Football League.

His resignation was formally announced in a statement by Torquay United on 21 February.

Chris Roberts (Pic: Paul Levie)

A week earlier, there were calls for him to quit, following the resignations of three long standing directors - Mervyn Benney, Ian Hayman and Brian Palk.

Mr Roberts heads a consortium - Torquay United Holdings - which struck the purchase deal in October.

Mr Benney returned to the board to step in as acting chairman for two days, until Mr Richardson's appointment was announced on the club's website.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that staff were made redundant on 19 February. They have since been reinstated.

Mr Benney says the most pressing job now is to ensure United win their fight against relegation to the Conference.

"We need to forget recent problems and events and concentrate on getting Torquay United back on its feet, in all capacities on and off the field.

"We've stuck our necks out for the club and all we ask the fans to support us on Saturday - the more that come through the gate the more will go into the coffers of the club.

"A good attendance coupled hopefully with a win, could pave the way for a new upward direction for the Gulls."

Former owner and chairman Mike Bateson remains the largest shareholder. He has 51% of shares.

Fans are being urged to get behind the club

He welcomes the resignation of Mr Roberts. "I'm pleased - it's inevitable," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"It's a first step. There's a little way down the road to go because we still need to sort out the little matter of ownership of the shares in Torquay United."

However, he said a lot of damage has been done to the club: "They (the club finances) are in a pretty parlous state but it's not irrecoverable.

"It's a matter of addressing current matters and hopefully a new owner will come on the scene and put a few bob in and it will just turn around almost instantly when it happens."

The consortium - still headed by Mr Roberts - owns 34% of the club's shares. Mr Richardson is in talks with the consortium over purchasing shares.

"I have acquired an option to purchase the shares in TUFC Holdings Ltd, and negotiations are continuing.

"However, my immediate priorities are to address any financial problems at the club and to ensure that everything possible is done to help Colin Lee and Keith Curle in improving our results in order to avoid relegation.

"We must retain our league status and we look to every Torquay United fan to get behind us for the remaining matches of the season."

Mr Bateson says Mr Richardson's appointment is good for United: "I have no doubt he will be very, very good for the club. This is a step in the right direction off the field, now hopefully the team can do it where it matters most."

The resort's MP, Adrian Saunders - a life-long Gulls fan - welcomed Mr Roberts' resignation as chairman.

"I think it's the best news the fans have heard in a very long time. I think it means the club survives because it was fast going down the pan under his (Roberts) chairmanship so I think it's very good news all round."

Mr Bateson's daughter, Debbie Hancox, was one of those laid off and then taken back on again.

Mrs Hancox, the club's chief executive, said: "On Monday morning we were made redundant. Then on Monday evening, we were reinstated, with the promise of a new owner for Torquay United with immediate effect.

"It is a very worrying and confusing time for everyone.

"We have a game on Saturday and it won't organise itself. It's business as usual and we urge all the fans to get behind the team on the football field while we address and resolve the issues off the pitch."

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