Tony Durkin said Neil Young’s achievements as manager had earned him a ‘genuinely historic place’ in the life of the club.

A statement issued by the club said Durkin, who replaced Chris Pilsbury as chairman in December 2012, and the rest of the board had agreed with Young that it was in the best interests of all parties for the split to happen now.

Young initially combined the managerial role with his job at Merseyrail but became the reborn club’s first full-time manager in November 2012 when he agreed an 18-month sabbatical with his employer.

With that deal due to expire in May and no new offer on the table, his future beyond the end of the current season was unclear and his contract was terminated yesterday by ‘mutual consent’.

“On these occasions it is customary for the board of a club to issue a statement full of praise for the departing manager,” said Blues chairman Tony Durkin. “Sometimes such words seem less than sincere. But these words are straight from the heart. There is not a single Chester supporter who would not join us in stating that Neil Young has earned a genuinely historic place in the life of our club.

“We will treasure the last three years and the success, and joy that his teams have brought us. He helped us rediscover our passion for our club and we will be forever grateful.

“Through his hard work and leadership we were able to earn three back-to-back championships. Neil goes with all our best wishes for him and his family.

The statement added the club was parting company with Young on ‘good terms with our close personal relationships intact’.