DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE chairman Dave Bennett has stepped down from the role, citing a “conflict of interest” over a potential takeover of the club.
Bennett has been at the helm since replacing Dave Andrews in November 2013 and says he had already planned to resign at the end of the season.
However, he has brought the decision forward, as he is involved in the Glenn Tamplin-led consortium keen to invest in the club.
While he will remain on the board of directors for the time being, Bennett confirmed he would no longer be chairman at a board meeting on Monday night.
In a statement, Bennett said: “At today’s board meeting I informed my fellow directors of my decision to step down from my position as chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge FC with immediate effect.
“Some time ago I decided that, for personal reasons that I would step aside at the end of last season. But then the possibility of outside investment into the club become a reality and I chose to remain in post whilst these discussions were ongoing, knowing that at the conclusion of the process my role would cease naturally.
“However this process has taken longer than anyone expected, certainly me, but my original reasons are still there, but now added is an element of a possible conflict of interest given my involvement with one of the consortium bidding to invest into the club.
“I made my intention know to some within the club over a week ago but wishing for a smooth transition waited until our next board meeting to formally step down. I will, for the time being, remain on the board of directors and work and do whatever I can to help the club move forward.
“It is particularly pleasing to see our young team currently performing so well, and I really hope we can get affairs sorted out very quickly for the investment needed to maintain the current momentum.”
