YORK City Supporters’ Trust have confirmed that chairman Mike Brown has stepped down.

Brown initially indicated his intention to step down from the Trust board in September, with his departure set to take place on Wednesday, May 31.

It comes after being first appointed as chairman in May 2018, to oversee the sale of Bootham Crescent and the switch to the LNER Community Stadium.

Whilst his time as chairman was initially supposed to be for 18 months, delays to the stadium build, covid-19 pandemic and and the triggering of the Trusts’ pre-emption rights has seen a five-year spell as chairman of the Trust.

From Thursday, June 1, Seth Sowerby has been appointed as acting chairman of the Trust, with the view of a permanent appointment for Sowerby following the next AGM and elections, which are in process of being arranged.

The Trust said on their statement: “Seth is a lifelong supporter of the club and works as a senior software engineer for a major multinational technology company.

“His appointment as Acting Chair was approved unanimously by the Trust board who felt he had shown tenacity, diligence, and strong leadership during his time on the board and Scrutiny Committee.”

Sowerby said: “I’m honoured to be asked to take over as acting chair by the Trust board.

“This is a crucial period in the history of the supporters’ trust and the football club, and I shall endeavour to repay their trust.

“Replacing Mike is going to take a team effort as we work to safeguard the club and move the trust forward to best serve our members.”

The Trust also confirmed that Jim Calverley had been appointed as vice-chairman after being unanimously voted.

Brown will remain on York City’s board for an interim period at the request of the Trust. Brown will depart the club once his replacement is appointed, or once the sale of Glen Henderson’s shares in the club are sold.

“It was huge honour when our dearly departed friend John Lacy first asked me to step up as Chairman of the Trust. Little did I imagine how the story would unfold over the next five years.” Brown said on the Trust statement.

“With the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear that some mistakes have been made, but I remain confident that under the right stewardship, York City has all the necessary ingredients to be a hugely successful club that can galvanise our incredible community of fans.

"Work continues around the clock with several prospective investors to achieve that positive outcome. 

“I would like to thank all my family, friends, board colleagues, club staff, players, professional advisors, and most importantly the fans for the huge amount of support, encouragement and love they’ve shown me.

"It has given me the energy and determination to keep going during some very difficult and upsetting times.  

“I have every confidence that under Seth’s leadership, the Trust will continue to play a vital role in shaping a positive future for our club and I wish him and all of my board colleagues every success. CTID.”