MORECAMBE FOOTBALL CLUB

Rod has served the club admirably in this role but the title is not now descriptive of the role Rod performs.

The board wish to express their utmost appreciation for everything Rod has done for the club as Chief Executive and without his input and devotion the club would not be where it is today.

Rod will continue as a Director of the club.

Peter McGuigan, Chairman, said: "Whilst Rod has relinquished the title of Chief Executive I am pleased that he is still involved with the club. His contribution to the club has been immense and the board are delighted that he will continue as a Director of the club. 

Rod commented: "Joining the board of Directors at Morecambe FC in February 1994 seems almost a lifetime ago. During those 19 years as a director I served three years as Chairman and the past 13 years as Chief Executive.

"The club is a labour of love to me and I have fulfilled these roles to the best of my ability in an unpaid capacity. The complexion of the football club has changed over the past four years with executive directors being employed and I have felt that the title of CEO has been a misnomer for quite some time now.

"The title of CEO is appropriate for someone who is shaping the way the company operates on a day to day basis and under the changed regime I have not been able to perform that function for a number of years. It is for this reason that I feel it right and appropriate to relinquish this title. My wife and I have experienced extending family and expanding business commitments over the past three years and the time has come for me to refocus on these areas.

"My grandad introduced me to Christie Park in the late 1950s and it's been a pleasure and privilege to serve, in this capacity, the club that is dear to my heart. I sincerely hope that I will continue to serve Morecambe FC for many years to come.''

* THE club has also announced that Mr Graham Hodgson has resigned as a Director of the club.

Chairman, Mr Peter McGuigan, said: "Graham has served the club as Vice Chairman for the last 17 years and his presence will be sorely missed.

"During his time at the club he has made a fantastic contribution and the Board wish to place on record their thanks for all that he has achieved for the club.

Graham will continue to support the club going forward and we wish Graham, Louise and family all the very best for the future.''

Graham said: "After spending 22 years of my life as a Director of Morecambe Football Club, leaving is clearly a hard thing to get used to.

"My family have grown up around the club with my wife Louise hosting the boardroom for many years and my two boys Martin and James undertaking various roles from programme sellers to turnstile operators.

"I have spent the last 17 years in the role of Vice Chairman and had the pleasure of working for three chairmen, Ken Parker, who joined the club on the same day as me in August 1990, Rod Taylor and latterly Peter McGuigan.

"They are three very different men who have all brought their own particular strengths to the position.

"From those early days in the Northern Premier League at Christie Park to the current day in League 2 at the Globe Arena I can honestly say it has been a fantastic journey with many more highs than lows.

"The proudest moment  was, of course, promotion to the Football League at the new Wembley Stadium led by our wonderful captain on the day Jim Bentley.

"My involvement with player negotiations has enabled me to spend time with all the various managers who have held the reigns at the club over the last two decades and I wish Jim and the often forgotten Ken McKenna the very best of luck in the future - they deserve it.

"Unfortunately, at the present time, I am not entirely comfortable with how the company is being managed and for this reason I have tendered my resignation.

"That said I will continue to support Morecambe Football Club as a sponsor and I hope it will continue  the steady progression that has been steady progression that has been its hallmark over the last 20 years.''