Work had to come first for chairman

In a statement released on Wednesday morning following a 9am media embargo, the Reds announced that Heathcote had relinquished his position on Saturday after attending his final fixture in an official capacity, the club's 4-1 win over Mickleover Sports at Borough Park in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight.

Heathcote, pictured, informed the club of his intention to step down for purely for work related reasons before Christmas. After paying tribute to him for his "hard work and leadership", officials announced the appointment of interim joint chairmen and the proposed addition of two new directors to their board.

The statement read: "The club would like to place on record our thanks for Glenn’s hard work and leadership over the last three years. Directors Don Blackwell and John Mackay will adopt the role of temporary joint chair in the short term.

"Supporters can be assured it will be business as usual as we continue to work hard behind the scenes to develop the club. With this in mind, we would like to announce that, subject to FA approval, Alec Graham and Mike Rollo will be joining the board in the near future."

Born in Workington and a life-long supporter, Heathcote is now based in the North East as the managing director of John Lilley & Gillie, a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of marine navigational equipment.

Explaining his decision to supporters, he said: “I am disappointed that I have to resign from the board but my day job has assumed increased responsibilities following a takeover of the company. However, I will continue to do as much for the club and help out as and when I can if required by the board, but not in any official capacity.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have been associated with the club I have supported since I was a boy. The highlight was undoubtedly the play off semi-final against Blyth Spartans last April and, like all Reds fans present, I will remember that fantastic game and magnificent performance by the team for a very long time.”

Heathcote became a director at Borough Park in the summer of 2013 and succeeded Humphrey Dobie as chairman in December of that year. He ended his statement by thanking everybody who'd helped him steady the ship and reach the play-offs in the last two seasons following relegation from the Football Conference.

He added: “I would like to thank all those who have given me help, support and friendship during my time as chairman and wish everyone associated with the club my best wishes and let’s hope for another tilt at the play-offs this season – or even that elusive promotion!”

Image courtesy of Workington Football Club

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague