NORTH FERRIBY UNITED'S future has further been plunged into doubt after long-serving chairman Les Hare quit the club.
Ferriby players were told they were free to find new clubs and that the Villagers would be seeking voluntary relegation of “one or two leagues” following their final day goalless draw against Bradford PA.
However, it is unsure whether relegation will occur and current owners Steve and Eman Forster – the son-in-law and daughter of Hull City owner Assem Allam – claim they will not be walking away from the club after recently putting it up for sale.
They have also said they offered their shares to the Villagers' directors on April 2 for free – on offer that was rejected.
Hare, who has been at the club for 20 years, has now stepped aside just weeks after North Ferriby's biggest day in their history as they beat Wrexham in the FA Trophy final at Wembley.
“Reflecting upon recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have today made the difficult decision to announce my retirement from football,” Hare said.
“I am, therefore, giving up my positions both as director and chairman of North Ferriby United with immediate effect.
“Clearly, the direction of the club is now being determined by others and this is the right time for me to step aside.
“Just look at Wembley! I can't start to tell you how I feel about our wonderful supporters having the right to enjoy a summer of celebration taken from them.
“I have been privileged to work alongside some inspiring men and women and have been supported along the way by so many generous, kind hearted people. To everyone, I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
A statement from the Forsters read: “Firstly, we would like to reassure fans that we intend to remain at the club and meet our obligations to the club for as long as we own it.
“During our time with North Ferriby we have left the day to day running of the club to the directors. On April 2 we then offered 100 per cent of the shares in the club to the directors in the form of a gift, but they did not want to take up this offer.
“As a result we are now exploring all options to enable the club to operate within its means. As reported over the weekend there are a number of issues being considered with no firm decisions having been taken on any, nor has there been any official communication with the FA on these matters.
“As long as North Ferriby United is under our ownership we remain committed to the club and finding workable solutions that will safeguard its long-term future.”
