One of the longest serving directors of Yeovil Town Football Club, Stephen Allinson, has announced his resignation from the board after nearly 20 years.
Mr Allinson, 55, a solicitor and licensed insolvency practitioner, has recently taken on the role of chairman of Yeovil Town Ladies Football Club and is Chairman of the Yeovil Town Community Sports Trust.
In his letter of resignation, to take effect at the end of this season, he told Glovers’ chairman John Fry: “As you know I have developed a very keen interest in the growth of women’s football and my recent appointment as chairman of Yeovil Town Ladies will increase my time commitment to them and deepen my involvement with the women’s game at several levels.
“I also want to be part of the team that takes the Yeovil Town Community Sports Trust to the next level, and that will mean further demands on my time.”
Mr. Allinson, from Curry Rivel, Somerset, said he had been concerned for some time about conflicts of interest between women’s football, the Community Trust and Yeovil Town Football Club and ‘I believe the time is right to ensure I represent both the Trust and the Ladies Club without risk to their development by my position on the Yeovil Town board.’
He also believed it important that, as an ambassador for the Community Trust and Yeovil Town Ladies F.C., he could lobby for those groups without conflict of interest.
He added that also because of professional pressures ‘something had to give.’
Mr. Allinson thanked the board, and, in particular John Fry, for support and friendship over years of success as well as difficult times.
“I have been very proud to have been a director through the most successful time in the history of our club, and I will never forget that.
“I would also like to thank my wife, Glenys and daughters Emma and Suzy for being patient and supportive during my busy involvement with the football club.
“I shall now be able to shout my support for the Glovers from outside the Directors’ Box!”
Chairman John Fry commented: "On behalf of the directors, staff and supporters of YTFC, I would like to place on record our appreciation of all the hard work Stephen has contributed towards the success of the Club during the 20 years he has served as a director of the Board.
"We have had many disagreements during this time, but, we have always put the Club’s interest first and we remain good friends. I wish Stephen and Glenys every good luck and happiness with the development of our Ladies Club and the Community Sports Trust."