Rowe has been chairman at Torquay since May 2007

Torquay United chairman Alex Rowe will stand down from the position after Saturday's game against Bournemouth.

Rowe was part of an eight-man local consortium who took a majority shareholding at Plainmoor in May 2007.

The Gulls chairman, who suffered a near-fatal stroke six years ago, is giving up the role on health grounds.

"It's my third season as chairman at Plainmoor," he told BBC Sport. "I feel somebody else should take the brunt of what's becoming a very stressful job."

Rowe feels the position is becoming more pressurised and does not want to risk further ill health.

United vice-chairman Simon Baker will take over, while a more permanent successor is sought from the current board of directors.

Rowe added: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as chairman and I'll be staying on the board as a director.

"The club have made great strides under new ownership and it's been a privilege to lead Torquay United back into the Football League."

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