THE popular chairman of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club has stepped down following the decision of the FA and Isthmian League to "null and void" the season.

Ed Garty, who has been chairman of the club for 10 years – first, as Tiptree United and Maldon Town chairman through to the club as it is now – released a video statement through the club on his decision and the reasons for it.

He said: "Last season contained the highest and lowest, with the FA and going to Leighton Orient and winning the match. The lowest was when the league decided, for some reason, that they would null and void the season."

Speaking further on the FA and league decision, Mr Garty said: "I don't know how that can be fair.

"No-one asked me and no-one asked the chairmen of the clubs most affected by the decision.

"Ultimately, that decision has led me to make the decision that I am to stand down, pretty much with immediate effect."

Ownership of the club will be transferred to a new consortium of backers

Mr Varty said that ownership of the club would be "very soon" transferred to a new consortium of backers.

He added: "They share the same ethos as myself in bringing players on and giving players the opportunity to go on and play at the highest level they can."

Mr Garty thanked everyone at the club for their support during his time as chairman, from managers and players to helpers and fans.

Before ending his statement and urging supporters to continue to get behind the club and "be patient" in the current circumstances, he added: "I will never forgive the way the FA and league have treated these players, these officials, these fans – not just at this club, but at clubs up and down the country."

In a statement a club spokesperson said: "From everyone here at Park Drive we would like to thank Ed for everything he has done for the club and wish him all the best."