Motherwell have announced chief executive Alan Burrows is stepping down from his role.
The Fir Park chief and life-long fan, who has held the position since 2014, says it is "with a heavy heart" that he has made the decision but hopes to give "someone else a chance to drive the club forward."
The Steelmen are currently struggling at the bottom end of the Scottish Premiership table and are on a run of seven games without a win and his bombshell announcement comes ahead of a huge clash with bottom side Ross County this weekend.
Burrows has helped the club enjoy record turnover during his reign and helped the club secure millions in transfer fees with the sales of David Turnbull to Celtic for £3.25m and James Scott to Hull for £1.75m.
He will contune in his post until his replacement is found and ready to be appointed.
A statement issued by Motherwell read: "Alan was promoted to the role in 2014, and was the longest-serving CEO in the Scottish Premiership.
"During his tenure leading the organisation, Motherwell finished third in the Premiership, played in Europa League and Europa Conference League qualifiers, reached two domestic cup finals and won the SFA Youth Cup for the first time.
"Off the field, as the club transitioned to fan ownership, Alan presided over numerous club records including record turnover, two net profit records, a record transfer fee received, a record front of shirt sponsorship deal and the highest ever season ticket sales. He was also named the Scottish CEO of the Year at the Football Business Awards in 2019."
Burrows said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I resign from a club that I love dearly.
“I have hugely enjoyed working with my fellow Directors, the amazing, hard-working staff and the countless players, managers and coaches in that time. I want to thank and pay tribute to each and every one of them; I have so many terrific memories.
“I would also like to thank the supporters who accepted me as one of them, and gave me room and time to get comfortable in my role, particularly at the start.
“I have discussed my future with the Chairman for some time and although there isn’t always an ideal time, I felt a new year gives everyone the chance for fresh start.
"I would like to give someone else the chance to drive our club forward. Someone who can perhaps bring new, exciting ideas and a different approach.
“Although I’ll shortly leave Fir Park for the last time, my heart will always be with this fantastic club. Thanks again for everything.”
Chairman Jim McMahon added “We are really sorry to be losing Alan as our Chief Executive.
“I have had the privilege of knowing him for a very long time, latterly in the Chair/CEO relationship.
“Through this period I have watched him develop into one of the best and most dedicated CEOs I have worked with in my career.
“His drive, imagination and love for this club have been key in all that we have achieved over the past years.
“We could not have asked for a better representative or leader – he stands for everything the club and fans exemplify – for all our principles.
“Although we are losing him, we also wish him every success in the future.”
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