Ridley steps down from board

The award-winning journalist, scriptwriter and author, one of five members who formed a consortium to buy the assets of Salisbury City and form Salisbury FC two years ago, cited "personal circumstances" for his decision to step down on Thursday.

The resignation of the former Guardian, Observer and Mail on Sunday sports writer, pictured, comes only days after the departure of acting chief executive Amanda Newbery from the EVO-STIK League Southern Division One South & West club's Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

Explaining his decision in a statement released at lunchtime, the former Weymouth and St Albans chairman said: "It is with regret that due to personal circumstances, I am standing down from the board of Salisbury Football Club, though I hope to remain active in helping the club going forward as far as I possibly can.

"Since joining Steve Claridge, Dave Phillips, Jeremy Harwood and Graeme Mundy in helping to establish the new club in October 2014, I have been immensely proud of the work we have all done in bringing football back to Salisbury and in seeking to move the club back up the football pyramid.

"Because of other issues and commitments, both personal and professional, I can no longer devote the time, energy and resources to the club that I would like, however, and feel it best if others now take the club forward both financially and in future decision-making.

"After having discussed the situation with Steve and Dave, I will remain as a consultant to the board and the club when needed and requested, as well as helping with fund-raising initiatives, and I hope still to attend games whenever possible.

"I will always be grateful for the welcome and thanks from the marvellous band of Salisbury FC fans who have supported the new club in such great numbers and I hope the team can kick on from here to secure a play-off place to follow up the Wessex League Championship we all enjoyed last season. Whatever the outcome of this season, it will certainly have been another enjoyable one with the team playing such attractive, attacking football."

He added: "Supporters may not always agree with decisions that are made – and healthy debate is the very lifeblood of a club – but having been on the inside at the Ray Mac, I can reassure supporters that we have a dedicated chairman who works tirelessly for the well being of the club and an excellent, shrewd manager who knows football and players inside out and is working astutely within a sensible budget to build both an improving squad and a progressive club."

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