Salford City chairman Karen Baird has announced she will step down from her role - just days after the club's play-off failure.
The Class of 92-backed outfit will remain in the fourth tier after they were undone on penalties by Stockport at Edgely Park. Salford had won the first-leg 1-0 but were beaten 2-1 on the road, before they missed several times from the spot, eventually losing 3-1 in the shootout.
It means, despite further investment at the Peninsula Stadium, Salford will have to prepare for a fifth consecutive year in League Two. Baird has paid tribute to the likes of Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and co, who kept her in her senior role when they took over the club.
She said in a statement: “After an amazing 10 years as Chairman of Salford City Football Club and with the Club now under the full time stewardship of Nicky, Paul and Ryan, it feels the right time for me to step down.
“Since 2013, when I took the reins as Chairman, we have had an unbelievable journey starting with the takeover in 2014 by the Class of ’92, when we were in tier four of non-league, to the quick succession of three promotions in four years with Bernard and Jonno at the helm. The dream of an FA Cup run in 2015-16 was so exciting, and is probably still my favourite memory!
“The following season Graham Alexander led us to promotion via the play-offs at Wembley, a perfect day with all the fans that made us the first team to gain promotion from the National League to the EFL at the first attempt. At the same time we developed Moor Lane to become a 5,000-capacity stadium, ensuring our admittance into the EFL.
“Another trip to Wembley saw us win the Papa John’s Trophy, although the final was delayed by a year and very sadly took place without fans being able to attend, but it was still another great victory. We have a great Head Coach in place in Neil, and we have also had great results with our Elite Development Squad, our Academy system, and the Women’s team, so I know the Club is in a good place and also know that it has so much more to come.
“I would like to thank all the fans, committee, owners, football and non-football staff, managers, and all the players who have helped our journey over the last 10 years, and my biggest thanks goes to Gary who believed in me to undertake this journey with him.”
Neville, who has made no secret of his desire to get the club into the Championship as soon as possible, paid tribute to Stockport after their success at the weekend but hailed his own outfit on social media: "So close lads @SalfordCityFC. You gave everything and more".
