As of today, Monday 5th March, I have handed over all responsibility for the football team including training, tactics, preparation and selection of players to Chris Stammers. My decision, as always, has been done with the good of the club at heart and with the intention of giving Chris and the players the best possible chance of obtaining the optimum number of points from the remaining fixtures. This decision has the full backing of the Executive Committee and I would ask that everyone gives Chris their full support throughout this nine game programme.

Both myself and Lee have worked tirelessly to stop the slump in results and though recent performances have probably merited some points, the fact is we have not got any and seem to be stuck in a cycle of one goal defeats, which in itself is demoralising as you feel you are close yet not quite there!

We have both stood aside because we have a genuine affinity with, and in my case a burning passion for, this football club and if us moving aside means Clitheroe FC is given a better chance of some results over the last nine games then we both agreed it was a sacrifice we were prepared to make.

Chris is clear what the target is, happy with the number of games remaining and confident he will achieve results. He will be supported by Mark Litherland, a personal friend of his and fellow UEFA badge holder. Having watched us on Saturday at Radcliffe at my request, Chris is also confident there is enough ability in the squad to achieve those targets and it is now up to the players to show Chris they want to be part of it all and begin to put matters straight.

Chris knows this is a nine-game challenge and has stated he does not want the title of Manager but that of "Head Coach" and just wants to focus solely on the football side of matters and improving our position.

As for myself, I am going to put my family first for the first time in 7 years as, at the moment, my daughter and son-in-law need our support. I am also hopeful of watching my son play which is something I have missed so dearly.

Anne, Andrew and more importantly at the moment Chris have asked me to stay at the club in some capacity and, to that end, I have agreed to aid Chris by continuing to oversee the budget and wages as well as help with any transfers, both ingoing and outgoing, and a little bit of scouting etc for him, all in the aim of letting him concentrate on improving the football team.

I will also report back to the Executive Committee on a regular basis any issues regarding the football team and seek improvement in our whole support structure so, by the end of April, through hard work, honesty and lessons learnt this great football club will hopefully be in a much better place and ready to go again!

Carl Garner