Chester FC chairman Grenville Millington has stepped down from his position with immediate effect.

The Blues legend has resigned from the football club's board and supporters' organisation City Fans United (CFU), citing work commitments as the reason for his departure.

In a statement issued this afternoon, his fellow directors expressed their shock at Millington's decision but paid tribute to his 'unwavering passion and commitment'.

The statement reads: "Grenville Millington, chairman of City Fans United and Chester FC, has today advised fellow directors that he has reluctantly decided to resign from his position, and the board of City Fans United, with immediate effect due to full-time work commitments.

"Grenville, who had a long playing career including 345 games for Chester City, became the first inductee into the club’s hall of fame and was ultimately named chairman of the CFU Board after his successful election at last years City Fans United AGM.

Grenville Millington, pictured with his fellow directors, after being appointed as chairman in October 2014
Grenville Millington, pictured with his fellow directors, after being appointed as chairman in October 2014

"He leaves his position after combining the role over the past year with full-time employment. Whilst Grenville’s announcement has come as a shock to fellow board members, they would like to place on record special thanks for his unwavering passion and commitment as chairman of the club and CFU during the past 12 months.

"As vice chairman of City Fans United, Jim Keegan will initially assume the role of chair until a planned board meeting takes place later this month."

Millington became the fan-owned club's third chairman since reforming in 2010 when appointed in October 2014 to replace Tony Durkin .

Although he was in the role for a little more than 12 months, the 63-year-old has overseen a series of significant events, including the signing of a 50-year lease with Cheshire West and Chester Council on the Deva Stadium and agreeing a new contract with manager Steve Burr .

Grenville Millington with Daryl Clare following his memorable speech at the launch of Chester FC in May 2010
Grenville Millington with Daryl Clare following his memorable speech at the launch of Chester FC in May 2010

Millington served Chester with distinction as a goalkeeper in two spells, making his debut in 1969 before dropping into non-league. He returned in 1979 and spent the next 10 years at Sealand Road.

He maintained a close association with the club after retiring, working as a goalkeeping coach and was a founding member of the Chester Former Players' Association.

His speech at the Guildhall in May 2010 when hundreds of supporters gathered to relaunch the club has gone down in folklore and he was later named as an honorary life vice president.

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