PAUL Baker has resigned as a director of Chester City after 16 months on the board.

The lifelong Blues fan handed in his resignation last week but only went public with the news on Tuesday, explaining his decision to supporters in a lengthy letter posted on the internet forum Deva Chat.

Baker, the man behind City's main sponsor UK Sameday, claimed he was 'falling out of love' with the club he cherishes, adding: 'By stepping away now I hope that this relationship can be saved.'

And yesterday he refused to rule out the possibility of one day returning to the boardroom.

Baker told The Chronicle: 'I've stepped away but my heart is with the football club and I'd never say never if a return was ever on the cards. I couldn't rule out a return at some stage.'

Baker's decision to quit comes after a turbulent few weeks at the Saunders Honda Stadium. He pledged his support to chairman Stephen Vaughan despite disagreeing with controversial plans to change the club's name to Chester- Halton, and has also admitted to having a 'difference of opinion' with manager Mark Wright over the quality of some recent perfor mances.

The Hawarden father-of-three was responsible for several popular initiatives during his time on the board, in particular the decision to rename the North Terrace in honour of former boss Harry McNally.

Baker, who has not decided whether UK Sameday will sponsor the Blues next season, will celebrate his 47th birthday on Sunday by attending City's home game against Shrewsbury.

He was this week thanked for his efforts by chairman Vaughan for 'the contribution and effort he has made to take the club forward'.