WOKING are searching for a new chairman after the resignation of Mike Smith, while commercial manager Nicky Banger and football secretary Derek Powell have also left the club.
Smith stepped down after Saturday’s final game of the National League season – a 2-1 victory over Eastleigh.
Local businessman Ashley Read’s attempted takeover of the club in February broke down with the club desperately searching for investment after losses of nearly £500,000 last year.
Smith’s departure will allow the club to seek fresh investment and he is followed through the exit door at Kingfield by Banger and Powell.
Commercial manager Banger has left due to a “restructure” and secretary Powell has retired following 50 years of service.
Smith said: “I have proudly served as chairman of Woking Football Club for the last five years, during which time the club has secured its long term use of the Laithwaite Community Stadium and made an impressive return to the top flight of the National League as one of only a handful of part-time teams.
“On the pitch we have maintained a great management pairing who, ably supported by Geoff Chapple and the board have helped bring stability, success and for the most part, exciting and entertaining football to the club, making the absolute best of limited resources, far exceeding any expectation held at the time they arrived and went to work in 2011.
“In five years, we, the club and its fantastic supporters have lifted Woking to a point where it has not only consolidated its position in the National League, but it has also demonstrated what could well be possible given reasonable financial investment and stadium improvements designed specifically to help the club generate sustainable income.
“As a volunteer and a supporter of Woking Football Club since 1990, I have decided, for personal reasons, that the time is now right, and that it would be in the best interests of the club for me to step down as chairman and a director. I remain a supporter and shareholder and wish my successor every success.”
