Motherwell Chairman Stepping Down

Motherwell chairman Brian McCafferty has announced he is stepping down from the Fir Park boardroom.

The 68-year-old took up the role in January after helping the 'Well Society strike a deal which saw millionaire backer Les Hutchison buy-out John Boyle's controlling stake in the club.

McCafferty was among four original directors elected to the 'Well Society board in October 2012 but says he is now making way for someone else to help take the fans' group forward.

He will step down from the Motherwell board after Saturday's game against Hearts and then leave the 'Well Society board once a replacement is elected early next month.

The former education consultant said: "After three years, I feel the time is right to step down and allow someone else the chance to take my place on the 'Well Society board, which is something the rules try to facilitate.

"I will of course be stepping down from the Motherwell board too as a consequence and felt fan ownership week, which sees us link up with the Foundation of Hearts for Saturday's game at Fir Park, would be a fitting way to end.

"I would like to thank all 'Well Society board members, past and present, and other volunteers for their help, sacrifices and dedication over the past three years.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Motherwell FC for their support and also both John Boyle and Les Hutchison for making community ownership possible and keeping the prospect alive during some difficult times for the club last year.

"All 'Well Society members have helped save the club from serious financial difficulty and/or foreign ownership and I hope other Motherwell fans can join in the coming months to give the club a secure long-term future. I will continue to help and support the project."

Hutchison said: "The board and the club would like to thank Brian for his dedication toward Motherwell Football Club. It is vital that the excellent work Brian undertook on behalf of the Society, as a member of the club board, continues and we look forward to the nomination of a replacement with the skills required to operate as a director of a significant business."