York City today announced John Quickfall is to retire as club director, writes Dave Stanford.

A club statement said his departure from the board "will be effective at a mutually convenient future date when all the necessary handovers of responsibilities have been completed".

The statement added Quickfall "is leaving in order to reduce his time, commitment and workload".

Quickfall said: "I have been involved in the day to day running of the financial side of the Club for fifteen years, during which time the workload has increased considerably and I consider now is the right time to make this change.

"I shall remain a loyal supporter of York City Football Club and I shall be available to the Board for consultation in the future as required.

"Although I shall be retiring from the Board of Directors of the Football Club I shall continue as a Director of Bootham Crescent Holdings plc (the holding company)".

He added: "I wish the chairman, remaining directors and all involved with York City Football Club every success in the future."

The club statement said: "The chairman and remaining directors are very sorry indeed that John has decided to retire as a director of the football club.

"The value of his services and sage advice as a director over the last 15 years is incalculable. The board is taking the necessary steps to fill the gap so far as control of the club's financial affairs is concerned but are glad that they will still have the back-up of being able to consult John when necessary."

Quickfall's decision marks the end of an era at Bootham Crescent, which has not seen any boardroom changes for years save for the resignation of Brian Houghton in 1998.

It leaves Douglas Craig as chairman at the club, supported by fellow directors Barry Swallow and Colin Webb.

Quickfall first joined the board in August 1986 having followed the fortunes of the Minstermen for the previous 50 years and serving as a vice-president for the previous five years.

An accountant for Leeds international firm Ernst and Young, Quickfall was responsible for looking after the club's financial affairs.

Before today's announcement, it had been speculated that Quickfall would be the prime candidate to succeed current chairman Douglas Craig.

Quickfall, married with two children, has lived in York most of his life and was educated at St Peter's School. A keen golfer, he is a member of Fulford Golf Club.

Updated: 11:58 Tuesday, September 18, 2001