Former Heybridge Swifts Chairman Gary white has outlined his reasons for stepping down, in a statement which also alleges senior officials sent him abusive messages.

In January, Mr White resigned after seven years as chairman of the club.

"I stood down after receiving abusive WhatsApp messages from two senior committee members, which were alcohol-induced and not the sort of things the individuals concerned would ever say to me face to face," he wrote.

Mr White alleges the committee members' behaviour at a subsequent meeting "crossed a line" and was not in keeping with the club's "culture".

He has not been to watch a Swifts match since February, where he described feeling unwelcome.

In July, Mr White claims he was instructed by Steve Spreadbury, Chairman of Heybridge Swifts Youth FC, not to attend games for the time being, "whilst the club's financial position can be clarified".

It is not clear what the issue is regarding the club's financial position. However, Mr White was allegedly told he was not welcome to attend home games until the club's end of year accounts to May 31 were complete.

Mr White says the "seemingly bitter and vindictive stance" taken by committee members reflects poorly on the club.

"It potentially marks a return to a toxic culture which existed at the club at times prior to 2015," he added.

Mr Spreadbury has declined to comment on the allegations made, until the club is advised to do so.

He told Nub News: "We will not be responding to any matters on social media as we are currently seeking legal advice."

Heybridge Swifts FC took to Twitter on behalf of the Committee to issue a statement on July 25:

Concluding his statement published on LinkedIn, Mr White said: "I want the best for Heybridge Swifts FC and feel very disappointed as to how poorly my departure has been handled."

He has declined to comment further.

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