THE CHAIRMAN and secretary of Haslingden Football Club have resigned.

Ged Connelly and Brian Melia, who have been associated with the club for many years, informed chief executive Brian Horsburgh of their decision.

Horsburgh said that he was "deeply disappointed" by their departure although they will retain close links with the club.

Connelly was at Ewood Bridge last night when Haslingden beat West Lancashire League team Turton 3-2 in a friendly.

He emphasised he has no animosity towards the club but did not detail his reasons for leaving.

"I'm just not enjoying it any more and that means it's time to go," said Connelly.

"There is no bad feeling.

"What Brian (Horsburgh) is doing down at Ewood Bridge is very admirable and we wish him the best.

"I will still go down to the ground and support the club all I can.

"The team are doing well at the minute and it's important they maintain their present momentum."

Horsburgh took the club out of extreme economic difficulties last season and set up Ewood Leisure, run by his daughter, Julie, which is now responsible for all the club's administrative affairs. Ewood Leisure are currently trying to organise several ventures at the club.

And Horsburgh admitted that Connelly's resignation came as a shock at this particular time.

"I'm very disappointed and somewhat shocked," he said.

"Ged was very respected for his knowledge of the non-league scene and we decided that it was to the club's benefit to retain him as chairman of Haslingden.

"Brian (Melia) is also the secretary at Rossendale and that was a situation that we were not entirely happy about.

"But he went about his duties diligently and we are sorry that both men have left."

Melia stressed that the league had no reservations about him holding the position of secretary at two clubs in two different divisions.

He added that his decision was entirely influenced by Connelly's resignation.

Haslingden have appointed Len Chenely as secretary and he will assume his responsibilities as of next week.

The club has no plans to fill the post of chairman.

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